Senate to follow procedures in implementing JV suspension

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said he would follow Senate procedures in enforcing the suspension order issued by the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito.

The Sandiganbayan ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against Ejercito, who was charged with graft for purchasing P2.1 million worth of high-powered firearms for San Juan using the city government’s calamity funds when he was still San Juan mayor.

Pimentel said he would wait for the report of the Senate committee on rules, which was tasked to handle the issue of Ejercito’s suspension.

Last Friday, Ejercito said he would voluntarily serve his suspension after being informed that the Supreme Court has affirmed the order of the Sandiganbayan.

He said he would go on “forced vacation” to spare the Senate from getting into a constitutional crisis by pitting itself against the courts.

“He has been telling me from the start that he is ready and willing to serve his suspension,” Pimentel said of Ejercito. “Since the matter was referred to the rules committee, we have to follow the procedure and await the rules committee’s recommendation.”

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, head of the Senate rules committee, said he would submit the committee’s report “for the concurrence of the Senate.”

Asked about the details of the committee’s recommendation, Sotto said it would depend on the result of the demurrer or objection that Ejercito filed in court.

Ejercito has maintained his innocence in the case, saying the purchase was necessary to ensure the safety of his constituents.