MANILA — The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is set to formally begin its work after securing the required signatures for its rules, which are now ready for publication, panel chair Senator JV Ejercito said.

Ejercito said the committee will start operations, including the possible hearing of complaints against senators, once the rules are published in a major newspaper, which he hopes will happen by Friday, April 17.

“The Committee can soon discharge its functions, including the evaluation of complaints and the conduct of hearings. We will proceed as soon as the Rules is published,” Ejercito said in a statement.

He said the required six signatures were completed on Wednesday afternoon, coming from Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Ejercito himself.

“We have been awaiting the completion of the required six signatures since our last meeting in March, and we thank our colleagues for their support,” he added.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April 28, where pending complaints will be assessed for compliance with form and substance requirements.

Ejercito said nine complaints are currently pending before the committee, including cases filed against Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Risa Hontiveros, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and himself.

He said the committee will follow a “first in, first out” approach in handling cases, provided they meet procedural requirements.

Under the process, complaints that pass initial screening will be transmitted to respondents within five days, followed by a preliminary inquiry to determine whether there is substantial credible evidence.

If evidence is found, the committee may proceed to adjudicatory hearings upon a vote. Otherwise, the complaint will be dismissed.