THE House of Representatives suspended again Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. for another 60 days and stripped off with all his committee memberships.
The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges recommended the suspension in the plenary session.
A total of 285 members agreed to the recommendation.
Teves continued to refuse going back to the Philippines to face the cases filed against him in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo despite the repeated appeal of some House leaders.
The Negros solon is reportedly seeking political asylum in Timor-Leste but was denied.
His continued absence resulted to failure to perform his duties as House member under Section 7, Rule Il, and violated the Code of Conduct, as set forth in Section 142 (a) and (b), Rule XX of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
Teves actions and all its consequences have compromised the integrity of the House of Representatives and constitute disorderly behavior warranting disciplinary action.
The committee report explained that the 60-day suspension is for violation of Sections 142 (a) and (b) of the Rules of the House of Representatives and for disorderly behavior. Consequently, all his rights and privileges as a member of the House of Representatives covering the said period are likewise suspended.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and the Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit appealed to their colleague to come home. Duavit and Teves are party mates in the Nationalist Peoples Coalition.
Meanwhile, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has been designated as legislative caretaker of the district from May 31 to July 30, 2023.
In a separate statement, Romualdez said he has nothing personal against Teves and reminded him that even lawmakers can’t be above the law.
“Hindi natin papayagan na sirain ninuman ang integridad ng Kongreso. Walang personalan dito. Ginagawa lamang natin ang sinumpaan nating tungkulin at pangako sa sambayanan,” Romualdez emphasized in
his speech before the sine die adjournment.
The Speaker also reminded that as congressmen, they are all duty-bound to comply with their Code of Conduct and adhere to the spirit and the letter of the Rules of the House and the Rules of the Committees.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday revealed that Teves remains in Timor-Leste while appealing for the denial of his plea for asylum with the Local Supreme Court.
Teves recently received a rejection of his political asylum application from the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste.
The Negros solon consistently denied any connection to the killing of Degamo and nine others and said he will return to the Philippines once his personal safety concerns are adequately addressed.
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