Manila: Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito has refuted claims of neglect in addressing ethics complaints against fellow senators, attributing the delay to procedural limitations within the Senate's framework.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, explained in a virtual press briefing that the committee is unable to convene or take action on complaints until it is fully constituted as per Senate rules. He underscored that the committee's composition must be read and approved in plenary sessions before any hearings can commence.

Ejercito highlighted that his appointment as committee chair coincided with the Senate's adjournment in October 2025, followed by budget discussions and bicameral meetings, which curtailed the number of plenary sessions. He emphasized that the delay in addressing complaints was procedural, not due to any personal reluctance or bias.

Addressing speculation about a potential link between the delay and a complaint involving Senator Francis Escudero, Ejercito clarified that complaints are addressed in the order they are filed. "We follow a first-in, first-out system," he stated, rejecting any notion of preferential treatment.

Ejercito mentioned progress in forming the committee, noting that nominees from the majority have been submitted, while the minority bloc is still finalizing its nominees. He expressed hope that the minority would soon submit their nominees to the Committee on Rules to expedite the process.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III previously assured that any citizen could file an ethics complaint against a senator and that all complaints are handled in accordance with Senate procedures once referred to the Ethics Committee.

Pending before the panel are separate ethics complaints against Escudero and Senator Risa Hontiveros filed last year. Ejercito himself is facing an ethics complaint from lawyer Marvin Aceron, who accused him of gross neglect for not acting on the complaint against Escudero filed on October 2, 2025. Aceron highlighted that over 100 days had elapsed without any case number assignment or acknowledgment and called for Ejercito's censure and removal as committee chair, as well as the implementation of reforms like mandatory docketing timelines.