Senator JV Ejercito Clarifies Inaction on Ethics Complaints, Blames Incomplete Committee
Senator JV Ejercito, who serves as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, has strongly asserted that he should not be held responsible for the lack of action on pending ethics complaints. According to the senator, the primary reason for this inaction is that the committee has not yet been fully constituted and formalized in the plenary session of the Senate.
Committee Formation Delays and Operational Challenges
Ejercito explained that he was appointed as the chair of the committee only in October 2025, just one day before the Senate adjourned. When the session resumed, senators immediately focused on budget deliberations, leaving little time to address the committee's composition. He emphasized that he is currently the only designated member of the committee, which lacks sufficient members to convene meetings and take official actions.
"How can I act on the complaints that he's saying, when I am the only one? We don't even have members? How can I act when I cannot call on the committee, or convene the committee because there are no members? So what is he talking about?" Ejercito stated in response to criticisms.
Pending Ethics Complaints and Personal Recusal
There are reportedly five to six ethics complaints currently pending, including one filed against Ejercito himself by Atty. Eldrige Marvin Aceron. This complaint relates to Ejercito's alleged failure to act on a case involving Senator Francis Escudero. In light of this, Ejercito has announced that he will recuse himself from discussions if the complaint against him is taken up by the committee, to ensure impartiality.
The senator's defense highlights ongoing procedural delays within the Philippine Senate, where committee formations can be hindered by political schedules and priorities. This situation underscores the challenges in addressing ethical issues promptly in the legislative body.
