Senate ethics panel set to begin work after rules signed, published —Ejercito

Nearly three months after completing its membership, the Senate committee on ethics and privileges is now set to proceed with its work after securing enough signatures for its rules, which are already poised for publication, panel chairperson Senator JV Ejercito said Thursday. 

Ejercito explained that the committee will begin its operations, including the possible conduct of hearings on the complaints filed against senators once the rules are published in a major newspaper, hopefully by Friday, April 17. 

“The Committee can soon discharge its functions, including the evaluation of complaints and the conduct of hearings. We will proceed as soon as the Rules is published,” the senator said in a statement.

He said the six signatures were only completed on Wednesday afternoon. The signatories were: Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Ejercito himself. 

“We have been awaiting the completion of the required six signatures since our last meeting in March, and we thank our colleagues for their support,” Ejercito said.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for April 28, where pending complaints will be reviewed for compliance with form and substance.

Nine complaints are currently lodged before the Ethics committee, some were filed against Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Risa Hontiveros, Francis "Chiz" Escudero, and even Ejercito. 

The committee chairman has maintained that all complaints will be heard based on the “first in, first out” basis, depending on whether they comply with form and substance. 

If a complaint is found to have complied with the required form and substance, a copy will be transmitted to the respondent within five days.

The panel will then conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether substantial credible evidence exists. If evidence is found, the committee will decide on the appropriate action through a vote, which may include proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

If none is found, the complaint will be dismissed.—AOL, GMA News