House expels Teves

For disorderly conduct; terror tag also cited

MANILA, Philippines — In an unprecedented move, the House of Representatives yesterday expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. for “disorderly behavior” and “violation of the Code of Conduct” of the chamber.

Voting 255-3, the House decided to adopt the recommendation of the committee on ethics and privileges to mete the maximum penalty on Teves, given the gravity of his actions.

In an 18-page committee report, the panel informed the plenary that there was clear and undeniable evidence that Teves had violated his oath of office and displayed disorderly conduct.

“After a thorough deliberation and following numerous meetings, while observing fairness and due process, the committee on ethics and privileges unanimously recommends that the penalty of expulsion from the House of Representatives be imposed on Rep. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ A. Teves Jr. for disorderly behavior and for violation of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives,” stated the report signed by chairman and COOP NATCCO party-list Rep. Felimon Espares.

Prior to this, Teves was slapped with two 60-day suspensions since March when he failed to return to the Philippines after his travel clearance to the United States expired amid accusations that he masterminded the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

Asylum

The report stated that the most glaring evidence is the “continuous pursuit by Teves of his application for political asylum and his continuous absence in the House of Representatives.”

The panel ruled these are “tantamount to abandonment of his public office.”

According to the report, Teves, “undeterred by the denial of his application for asylum in Timor-Leste twice, is even pursuing another appeal on the same before the Court of First Instance of Timor-Leste.”

“His relentless pursuit of political asylum indicates he has no plans to return to the country. The act is a clear manifestation of his intention to abandon his office and cease fulfilling his duties and obligations as a duly-elected representative,” the report said.

Terror tag

The panel also cited Teves’ designation as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council under Resolution No. 43.

The committee underscored that to preserve the integrity and dignity of the House, each member “must adhere to the ethical standards, the rule of law and avoid acts perceived as inimical to national security and peace and order.”

“The House of Representatives is not merely a statutory creation but is a main branch of government created by no less than the Constitution. Being a constitutional office in a democratic and republican state, maintaining and upholding its integrity and dignity cannot be over-emphasized,” the panel said.

The panel added that when a member is designated as a terrorist, it poses significant threat to the integrity and dignity of the institution – “a serious and unprecedented matter.”

The committee also took note of the “indecent behavior” displayed by Teves in his social media posts, one of which showed him dancing in underwear, which causes “dishonor to the House.” “There is no doubt that the con[1]duct of Teves is not necessary to dis[1]charge the duties of his office nor is it made in furtherance of any legislative role. The same is outside the ambit of protected parliamentary conduct and is not, therefore, covered by any immunity,” the report stated. The panel noted that holding Teves “accountable for his inappro[1]priate and indecent conduct sends a clear message that such conduct is unacceptable and will not be toler[1]ated by the institution.” “The committee finds that the gravity of the offenses committed by Rep. A. Teves, Jr. merits a heavier sanction in order to protect the dignity, integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives,” it added.

‘Kangaroo court’

Reacting to Teves’ expulsion from the House of Representatives, his lead legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio said last night that the proceedings before the House ethics committee are “noth[1]ing but that of a kangaroo court.” “Today is a dark day for the Rule of Law and the dawning of a new age of the tyranny of the major[1]ity, where might is right and the prevailing principle is the Law of Force rather than the Force of Law,” he noted.

Topacio said from the start of the proceedings, “it bore all the hall[1]marks of an inquisition: the committee was the motu proprio complainant, making it both the accuser and the judge.”

He added that his client “was never allowed to participate in the proceedings by himself, but only through letters of his counsel, who were never even allowed to present.” The panel noted that holding Teves “accountable for his inappropriate and indecent conduct sends a clear message that such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the institution.”

The committee’s recommendation also shows there “was never a bona fide intention to consider the evidence in favor of Mr. Teves,” he added