The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges has formally approved its rules of procedure, paving the way for the review of nine complaints currently pending before the panel.

Committee Chairman JV Ejercito confirmed that the number of filed cases has risen to nine, including complaints involving both incumbent and former senators.

However, Ejercito declined to disclose the identities of those named in the complaints, except for previously reported cases such as the one involving Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

According to Ejercito, the committee adopted its official rules during a meeting earlier in the day. The guidelines are expected to be published within 24 hours, after which the panel will begin deliberations on the complaints in its next session.

He emphasized that the committee will follow a “first in, first out” principle, meaning cases will be taken up in the order they were filed.

The approval of the rules marks a key step in activating the committee’s oversight functions, as it prepares to address ethical concerns and accountability issues within the Senate.