Manila:<Text>

The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges will begin reviewing six complaints filed before the panel on March 18 once its newly adopted procedural rules are formally published. Senator Joseph Victor 'JV' Ejercito, committee chairperson, said on Wednesday the panel convened in an executive session mainly to adopt the rules that will govern the handling of complaints before the body.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito mentioned that the committee secretariat will consolidate proposed revisions and circulate a clean copy of the rules to members by March 5 before the document is filed for publication. Ejercito emphasized that the panel cannot act on any complaint until the rules are formally published. He stated, "Once the rules are published, that's when we can begin acting on cases filed before the committee."

Ejercito further elaborated that the panel intends to reconvene on March 18 to determine whether the six complaints it has received - including one involving Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa - comply with the required form and substance under the committee rules. He clarified that cases not meeting these requirements will be returned to the complainant, who will be given the opportunity to amend or correct their complaint before refiling.

Complaints found to comply with the requirements will have a copy transmitted to the respondent within five days, after which the committee will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine if substantial credible evidence exists. Complaints lacking such evidence will be dismissed, while those with sufficient basis may proceed to further committee action, including an adjudicatory hearing.