THE House of Representatives yesterday approved the recommendation of the House Committee on Ethics to expel Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. for his continued absence without a travel authority, which it said constituted “disorderly behavior.”
Voting 265-0 with three abstentions, lawmakers expelled one of their colleagues, who is accused of masterminding the assassination of his political rival, Gov. Roel Degamo, last March 4.
By doing so, the 19th Congress under Speaker Martin Romualdez has set a precedent of expelling a member through a recommendation of the Committee on Ethics after a motu proprio investigation.
However, there were cases in the past that lawmakers were expelled after being convicted by the courts, like former Zamboanga Rep. Romeo Jalosjos who was removed from the rolls of the House of Representatives after his rape conviction became final and executory, and former Dinagat Rep. Ruben Ecleo, who was expelled after being convicted of graft.
“After a thorough discussion of the matter taking into consideration fairness and due regard by giving due notice to the respondent and on the basis of substantial evidence acquired by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, this committee, by unanimous vote of its members, hereby recommends to the House of Representatives the imposition of a penalty of expulsion from the House of Representatives upon Rep. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ A. Teves Jr.,” ethics panel chair Rep. Felimon Espares, (PL, COOP-NATCCO).
Espares clarified that the move of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to tag Teves as a terrorist was not among the reasons for the committee’s recommendation.
“It’s not the basis of our recommendation,” he told the plenary, responding to the inquiry of Iloilo Rep. Janet Garin who pointed out that one’s designation as a terrorist can still be appealed before the courts.
Espares said that while Teves’ designation as a terrorist was part of the committee’s discussion, the recommendation was only anchored on Teves’ disorderly behavior and violation of the Code of Conduct.
He said the main reasons that drove the panel to recommend expulsion after recommending a 60-day suspension twice, were Teves’ pursuit of political asylum in Timor Leste, his continuous absence in violation of the House rules, and his “indecent behavior in social media.”
The lawmaker has a social media video dancing to “Budots” wearing only boxer shorts and a white tank top.
“Public officials must be reminded of the mantra (that) public office is a public trust,” said Espares.
