FROM HOW IT looks, the 24-member Senate body will be reduced by at least two — both coming from the minority bloc.
This comes as the Senate committee on ethics and privileges hinted at proceeding with its work after securing enough signatures for its rules, which are already poised for publication.
According to Senator JV Ejercito, in his capacity as committee chairman, hearings on ethics complaints filed against members of the upper chamber will be held once the rules are published in a major newspaper.
“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 are published,” the senator said in a statement.
Among those who affixed their signature for the committee rules include Senators Francis Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel 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,” he added.
The committee members are set to meet again on April 28, to review pending complaints for compliance with form and substance.
Senators facing ethics complaints include Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Escudero, and the committee chairman himself.
The committee chairman assured 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.
