AFTER two 60-day suspension, the House of Representatives has decided to finally remove Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. from the roll of the Lower Chamber.

About 265 members of the House voted to adopt the recommendations of the House committee on ethics and privileges.

After a thorough discussion on the matter, taking into consideration fairness and due regard, the committee recommended to the House of Representatives, the imposition of the penalty of expulsion from the House of Representatives.

Teves is allegedly the prime suspect in the killing of Negros Oriental Go. Roel Degamo. Despite repeated calls from the House leadership, the solon refused to go back to the Philippines prompting the committee to recommend suspension.

In the committee report sponsored by COOP-NATCCO party-list Rep. Felimon Espares, it states that teves has committed violation of the Code of Conduct and for disorderly behavior docketed as Committee Case No. MP-2023-11.

The committee commenced this measure as part of its legislative authority emanating from no less than the Constitution of our Republic to initiate and recommend sanctions against any House member for any violation of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

“History will look back upon this time as a critical juncture when the House, as one body, and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, in particular, rose above and beyond the noise and clatter of local politics and patronage to remind our kababayang Pilipino what it entails to be, and remain to be, a public servant in the House of the People,” Espares said.

“It is with deep honor and heavy heart, as Chairperson of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, to report to this esteemed chamber the result of the Committee’s investigation relative to the Motu Proprio Action by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges on the matter of the acts of Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. (Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.) of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental for violation of the Code of Conduct and for disorderly behavior,” he added.

Teves applied for travel authority to the United States from February 28 to March 9 for a medical procedure. However, he refrained from returning and maintained his innocence in the governor’s death on March 4, 2023.

During the conduct of the investigation, the committee considered the following acts committed by Teves: (1)his ongoing and persistent pursuit of his application for political asylum in the country of Timor-Leste; (2) his continuous absence without leave in the House of Representatives in violation of the House Rules; (3) His designation as a terrorist by the Anti-ferrorism Courpil-amang other crimunal charges which reflects discredit on the House of Representatives; and (4) his indecent behavior portrayed in social media which reflects discredit on the House of Representatives and diminishes the stature of the position.

The main basis for this recommendation, is his continued absence without leave from “the House of Representatives by his persistent pursuit of political asylum in Timor-Leste. This constitutes abandonment of Public Office and violation of his Oath of Office as House Member,” he added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas