The House of Representatives on Wednesday slapped another disciplinary action against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
With 285 affirmative votes, 0 negative and 1 abstention, the lower chamber adopted the recommendations of House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which include another 60-day suspension and forfeiture of all committee memberships of Teves.
“After the conduct of hearings and the consideration of the position of Rep. A. Teves, Jr. as presented in his letters to the committee, the committee found that the unauthorized absences of Rep. A. Teves, Jr., aggravated by his act of seeking political asylum in Timor-Leste, resulted in his failure to perform his duties as House Member under Section 7, Rule II, 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,” said House Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chairman Felipe Espares in committee report 660.
“Following a thorough discussion and deliberation, the Committee, by the unanimous vote of all members present, there being a quorum, recommends the imposition of the following penalties on Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves, Jr.: A 60-day suspension for violation of Sections 142 (a) and (b) of the Rules of the House of Representatives and for disorderly behavior. As a consequence, all his rights and privileges as a Member of the House of Representatives covering the said period are likewise suspended; and the forfeiture of all Committee memberships of Rep. A. Teves, Jr.,” added Espares.
According to Espares, Teves’ actions and all its consequences have compromised the integrity of the House of Representatives and constitute disorderly behavior warranting disciplinary action.
“It is important to emphasize that the committee has exercised prudence and a high degree of restraint in recommending sanctions against Rep. A. Teves. Recognizing the significance of fair treatment and due process, and in due deference to the people of the Third District of Negros Oriental, the Committee has carefully considered the circumstances surrounding Rep. A. Teves, Jr.’s actions and has not rushed to judgment or resorted to extreme measures in response to his transgressions. Instead, it has taken a measured approach, taking into account the gravity and frequency of Rep. A. Teves Jr’s misconduct,” added Espares.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that Teves has sought political asylum but denied by Timor Leste, in an apparent bid to evade possible prosecution for his alleged role in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others last March 4.
Teves was suspended by the House of Representatives for 60 days in late March for failure to return to the country and face the Ethics Committee despite the expiration of his travel authority.
Teves, in an earlier interview with reporters, said the recantations of the suspect-witnesses in the killing of Degamo are not enough to convince him to return to the country.
“With or without recantations, there is still a threat to my life and there is still no semblance of fairness,” Teves said.