By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges will convene in executive session on March 4 to adopt its rules and begin the initial vetting of complaints, including the case filed against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa over his prolonged absence from session.
Committee chairperson Senator JV Ejercito told reporters in a Viber message on Thursday that the meeting was initially set on March 10 but was moved earlier after Senate President Vicente Sotto III authorized the use of the Senate President’s Conference Room.
“For those asking, the earliest we can schedule Ethics Committee meeting is on March 10 due to room unavailability. But asking permission from SP (Senate President) if we can use the Senators Lounge so we can hold the meeting earlier. Punuan ang committee rooms (committee rooms are fully booked),” Ejercito said.
He later issued an update confirming the new schedule.
“Update, SP Sotto has authorized the Ethics Committee to use Senate President’s Conference Room on March 4 at 10 a.m. to expedite the meeting as soon as possible,” he said.
Ejercito clarified that the session would be closed to the public.
“Executive Session among members agenda is adoption of rules and we will proceed to initial vetting of cases,” he added.
An anti-corruption group led by former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno filed an ethics complaint against dela Rosa, citing his absence from Senate sessions since November 2025.
In its complaint addressed to the panel, the group “Wag Kang KuCorrupt” argued that dela Rosa’s continued absence from official duties constitutes dereliction of duty. It urged the committee to determine whether Senate rules and ethical standards were violated.
Dela Rosa has not attended sessions since Nov. 10, following reports of an alleged International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.
He is the sixth senator to face an ethics complaint before the chamber’s Committee on Ethics and Privileges. (PNA)
