The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is considering new guidelines on lawmakers’ absenteeism, including a “no work, no pay” policy, following a complaint over the prolonged absence of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
During the panel’s meeting on Monday, members agreed to formally seek Dela Rosa’s comments through a letter in connection with the complaint filed against him.
The proposal was discussed separately from the committee’s action on nine pending ethics complaints, which the panel chaired by Sen. JV Ejercito had acted upon.
The committee also dismissed four complaints it considered frivolous or deficient in form and substance, while three others were deferred for further action.
“Those deemed non-compliant will be returned to the complainants, and they will be given the chance to correct and refile them,” Ejercito said.
Two remaining cases are still awaiting responses from a government agency to help the panel resolve the matters.
The committee also agreed to keep all proceedings and details involving the complaints confidential.
Ejercito inhibited himself from one of the cases in which he is a respondent, with committee vice chair Sen. Kiko Pangilinan taking over the proceedings.