HEALTH CARE SERVICES. House Committee on Ethics and Privileges vice chair, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, talks with beneficiaries of a medical-dental mission in Guinobatan town, Albay province on Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2023). Hundreds of residents and Mayon evacuees in the town benefited from the activity. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)
LEGAZPI CITY – The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges will soon convene to recommend sanctions and penalties against Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. after his 60-day suspension lapsed last July 31.
In an interview on Wednesday, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges vice chairperson, Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, said they acquired a motu proprio to investigate and recommend sanctions against the lawmaker.
"Maraming pang reklamo o mga kontrobersiya o issues na saiyang kinakahampang (There are other complaints or controversies he needs to face) and based on the letter that we have sent to the camp of Congressman Teves, (there are) three allegations or issues he needs to answer," Bongalon said.
He said these are when Teves was declared a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), his application for political asylum in Timor-Leste, and the conduct he displayed in a post on his social media account.
"There is an implication in his application, why? Because it is as if he is abandoning his duties and responsibilities as elected congressman of the third district of Negros Oriental and with that it is an insult to the institution," Bongalon said.
He also noted the actuation of Teves in his posted video on social media that showed him dancing while wearing boxer shorts and "sando" (undershirt).
"Kumbaga (Like) the image, reputation, and dignity of the House of the Representatives are at stake. So with that, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges has to act on that matter," Bongalon said.
He said under the 1987 Constitution, the committee is authorized to discipline its members.
"Alaton ta lang po magkakaroon po kami ng committee hearing sa (Let's just wait, since we will have a committee hearing on Monday) to discuss and recommend to the plenary what will be the proper or appropriate sanctions or penalty for Congressman Arnie Teves Jr.," he said.
Bongalon said after the 60-day suspension lapsed, the House of Representatives gave Teves 10 days to answer, which will expire on Monday.
"Tinawan ta man siya ki sampung araw para magsimbag (We have given him 10 days to answer) as part of the due process of law and the 10th day will expire on Monday and after that we will convene and we will deliberate, discuss the appropriate recommendations of the committee," Bongalon said.
He also clarified that there is no connivance between the ATC and the House committee on matters regarding Teves.
"There is none because ATC is an executive act and the House Committee on Ethics, even before this declaration as a terrorist, we are already investigating Rep. Teves," he said.
Teves was implicated in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others on March 4.
Bongalon was interviewed when he graced the 5th Tarabangan Caravan of AKB and the local government of Guinobatan at the Mauraro Evacuation Center. (PNA)
