Manila, Jan. 23 -- Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito on Friday denied allegations of neglect in acting on ethics complaints, saying the panel is procedurally barred from conducting hearings as it has not yet been fully constituted under Senate rules.

In a virtual press briefing, Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, said while complaints have been filed, the committee cannot meet or act until its membership is formally completed and manifested in plenary.

"As much as I would want to act on the complaints, I cannot because the committee has not yet been constituted," Ejercito said, citing the timing of his designation as chair shortly before Senate adjournment in October 2025, followed by budget deliberations and...