Ethics Complaint Targets Senator JV Ejercito for Alleged Negligence in Escudero Donation Case
An ethics complaint has been formally filed against Senator Joseph Victor JV Ejercito, accusing him of severe negligence and failure to act on a prior complaint involving former Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero and a controversial P30-million campaign donation from a contractor during the 2022 elections. The complaint, submitted by Attorney Marvin Aceron to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, alleges that Ejercito, as head of the committee, exhibited gross negligence and inaction in addressing the initial complaint that questioned the legality of the donation.
Details of the Ethics Allegations and Conflict of Interest Concerns
The complaint against Escudero was originally filed in October 2025, and according to the new filing, Ejercito has failed to take any substantive action in the 109 days since. The document states, Despite the passage of 109 days since the filing of the ethics complaint against Sen. Escudero, respondent has failed to assign a case number, failed to provide any notice or communication, failed to take any action whatsoever. Critics argue that this inaction could result in a conflict of interest, as Ejercito's handling of the matter may be influenced by political or personal factors.
Escudero's Defense and Legal Justifications for the Donation
In response to the allegations, Escudero has publicly declared that the P30-million donation was lawfully and correctly reported, maintaining that it did not influence his legislative duties. He has denied any conflict of interest and assured that all campaign contributions adhere to existing election laws. This defense aligns with findings from the Commission on Elections Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD), which in November recommended halting the investigation into Escudero after Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., clarified that the donation came from his personal funds, not the company.
Ejercito's Response and Committee Procedures Explained
During an interview with reporters, Senator Ejercito defended his committee's inaction, stating that the Ethics Committee is not yet fully operational, with members not formally presented and completed, preventing hearings from taking place. He emphasized that the complaint against Escudero is likely to be discussed upon the resumption of the plenary session on Monday, January 26, 2026. Ejercito further explained, I think Attorney Aceron, he is a lawyer, there are rules. There are already four or five complaints in the Ethics Committee. Pang-apat pa 'yung kay Senator Chiz. Hindi naman pwedeng dahil gusto mong unahin 'yung sa iyo na complaint ay uunahin. First in, first out tayo, just like in any other court or any other organizations. First to be filed will be the first to be heard.
Broader Implications for Senate Ethics and Political Accountability
This case highlights ongoing concerns about political accountability and the effectiveness of the Senate's ethics mechanisms. The allegations against Ejercito underscore the need for transparent and timely handling of complaints to maintain public trust. As the Senate prepares to reconvene, stakeholders are watching closely to see how this ethics complaint will be addressed, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving campaign finance and legislative conduct.
