Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva confirmed on Monday that Senator Robin Padilla is being considered to lead the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, but emphasized that the appointment will only be official once approved by the plenary.
According to a report by GMA News Online, the panel handles issues concerning the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, and integrity of the Senate and its members.
“We’ve been talking about it… but nothing is final until we decide on it as an institution,” Villanueva told reporters, noting that discussions also came in light of recent statements from the minority leader regarding Charter change. He added that both Padilla and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan have expressed openness to the idea.
Villanueva, who earlier considered leading the ethics committee himself, said that role is now “secondary” given his responsibilities as head of the powerful rules committee. He also revealed that Padilla may turn over his current post as chair of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments to Pangilinan, who previously held the position.
“Everything is possible… we’ll do everything we can to ensure that the best person to head these committees would lead them,” he said, adding that having a legal background—like Pangilinan—was part of the consideration for the constitutional amendments panel.
Padilla has refiled a resolution in the 20th Congress to revise the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he would support amending the Charter if the Supreme Court upholds its decision to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte—an idea questioned by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
On the broader Charter change discussions, Villanueva maintained that the timing and approach are crucial. “Anything you do right now with Charter change, hindi mo na maaalis ‘yung pagiisip ng taumbayan na ito ay konektado sa 2028 elections,” he said.
