Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Joel Villanueva have been removed from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

They were replaced by Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta, following a motion by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, which was approved by Senate President Vicente Sotto III without objection.

“They’ll replace the members because of the conflict of interest concerning the two members for their — I think they have cases, Mr. President,” Zubiri said during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate proceedings after the Ombudsman alleged that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him over his role in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

On the otherhand, Villanueva faces complaints over alleged ghost flood control projects.

Ethics Committee Chairperson Sen. JV Ejercito said the panel is now fully prepared to act following the completion of its membership.

“Since the membership was completed yesterday, we are ready to furnish all members with the proposed draft rules of the committee for their comments and possible additional inputs,” Ejercito said.

He added that preparations are underway for the committee’s organizational meeting next week, where the rules will be formally discussed and adopted.

“We plan to do this with utmost respect for the processes, established rules, and traditions of this institution, in faithful fulfillment of our mandate, without any gross neglect of our duty,” Ejercito said.

Ejercito also noted that the committee is currently reviewing complaints but will act as soon as it is legally able to hold hearings.

The Ethics Committee handles matters concerning the conduct, privileges, and reputation of senators.