The suspension of Negros Oriental Representative Arnulfo Teves Jr. for 60 days by the House of Representatives has nothing to do with the slaying of the province’s former governor, according to Bohol lawmaker Edgar Chatto, who chairs the Ethics and Privileges Committee. Reports emerged linking Teves to the murder of former Governor Roel Degamo, which led to social media speculation that his suspension may be related to the issue. However, Chatto clarified that the suspension was due to Teves’ continued absence from House sessions, which he deemed as “disorderly behavior.”
Teves has been absent from House sessions since February and has missed more than 20 sessions due to various reasons, including health concerns, personal matters, and constituency work. House rules require lawmakers to attend sessions regularly and pay fines for absences without valid reasons. However, Teves refused to pay fines and challenged the House’s jurisdiction over the matter. That prompted the Ethics and Privileges Committee to hold a hearing to investigate his absence and subsequently recommend his suspension.
The House approved the recommendation with 210 votes in favor, six against, and one abstention. Teves’ suspension bars him from participating in House sessions, committees, and other activities for 60 days, starting from the resumption of session on May 17. He will also forfeit his salary and other benefits during the period.
Teves, a former finance secretary, is serving his third term as a representative of the Third District of Negros Oriental. He ran for governor of the province in 2019 but lost to Degamo. The former governor was shot dead in front of his house on April 27, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into his killing. The police have not released any information on the suspects or the motive for the murder.
The suspension of Teves sparked mixed reactions from his colleagues and the public. Some lawmakers expressed their support for the decision, saying that Teves’ defiance of House rules is unacceptable, and he should be held accountable for his actions. Others criticized the suspension, saying that it is politically motivated and a violation of his rights as an elected official.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News reported that Teves may face an ethics complaint over his alleged links to illegal numbers game operations. The House leadership ordered an investigation into the matter after a witness during a Senate hearing on the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) industry implicated Teves in the illegal activities. The witness claimed that Teves received payoffs from operators of illegal numbers games in exchange for protection and support. Teves denied the allegations and challenged the witness to present evidence to support his claims.
The House Ethics and Privileges Committee has yet to decide whether to pursue an ethics complaint against Teves. Still, his suspension may affect his ability to defend himself against the allegations as he is barred from participating in House activities. Moreover, the controversy surrounding his absence and alleged involvement in illegal activities may further damage his reputation and political career.
Overall, Teves’ suspension highlights the importance of attending House sessions and following rules and procedures as an elected official. It also underscores the need for thorough investigations and due process in addressing allegations of misconduct and illegal activities among lawmakers. Whether Teves’ suspension is justifiable or politically motivated remains to be seen, but it is crucial to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the pursuit of justice and reform in the country’s political system.
