The Ethics Commission of the Congress of Peru voted unanimously during its installation session to require all members to submit their criminal and judicial background records. The decision obliges panel members to provide reports on past penal and judicial records, active investigations, and any administrative suspensions incurred while performing public duties before entering Parliament.
The motion was introduced by Congressman Javier Cipriani, a representative of the conservative Renovación Popular party. Cipriani stated that presenting this background documentation would enable the panel to evaluate the suitability of its members and guarantee that those charged with judging parliamentary conduct lead by example.
During the installation meeting of the working group, Cipriani said members of the Ethics Commission must maintain impeccable conduct and an unblemished background. He noted that the Internal Regulations of the Congress of Peru explicitly prohibit lawmakers facing criminal proceedings or active suspensions from serving on the ethics panel. Cipriani argued that the commission must not only act with strict impartiality but also inspire confidence among Peruvian citizens.
Arguments for member evaluation
Despite supporting the final measure, Congressman Edwin Espinoza of the Buen Gobierno parliamentary group raised procedural concerns during the session. Espinoza argued that the suitability of panel members should have been vetted beforehand by their respective parliamentary caucuses prior to appointment.
Espinoza emphasized that under current parliamentary rules, the only valid grounds for removing a member from the Ethics Commission are expulsion by their own political caucus or voluntary resignation. He warned that establishing a process to request a member's removal could set an unintended legal precedent, and he requested a formal advisory opinion from the technical secretariat of the commission.
The Congress of the Republic of Peru is the single-chamber national legislature of Peru, operating in the capital city of Lima. Within the parliamentary framework, specialized standing committees manage legislative oversight and internal discipline. The Ethics Commission operates as the primary internal body responsible for monitoring congressional standards, investigating misconduct allegations, and enforcing disciplinary measures against sitting lawmakers.
Procedural concerns and regulations
Addressing the procedural inquiry, the technical secretary of the commission stated that the Internal Regulations of Congress afford special protection to members serving on the ethics panel. The secretary explained that political caucuses bear the primary responsibility for verifying all relevant background facts before proposing any lawmaker for commission membership.
The technical secretariat clarified that adopting a new binding accord on removal would effectively constitute legislating on matters already governed by congressional statutes. The secretariat confirmed that existing regulations establish only two legal avenues for member removal, namely caucus expulsion or resignation, adding that it remained up to the committee members to decide whether to submit Cipriani's proposal to a formal vote.
In the Peruvian legislature, political representation is organized through parliamentary groups, known locally as bancadas. These caucuses designate members to serve across various congressional committees based on proportional representation. Legislative regulations establish strict administrative procedures to balance committee autonomy with caucus authority.
Commission vote and membership
Following the procedural discussion, the committee proceeded to a vote and approved the proposal without opposition. Six lawmakers present on the panel cast their votes in favor of Cipriani's motion.
The members who voted in favor of the request included Javier Cipriani of Renovación Popular, Harvey Colchado of Ahora Nación, and Edwin Espinoza of Buen Gobierno. They were joined by Henry Albañil Carmona of Cívico Obras, Jessica Pérez Quispe of Juntos por el Perú, and Mery Infantes of Fuerza Popular.
