By Katrina Gracia Consebido
House Speaker Martin Romualdez assumed the role of a legislative caretaker for the Third District of Negros Oriental to safeguard the welfare of its constituents following the announcement of the 60-day suspension of its incumbent Representative Arnolfo Teves due to misconduct.
“In the interest of the people of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental, the undersigned shall act as the Legislative Caretaker of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental for the period 23 March 2023 to 22 May 2023. This order takes effect immediately,” the memorandum order stated.
The House Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended the suspension of Teves, who is accused of killing Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others, for failing to return home after receiving medical treatment in the United States and failing to report for work after his travel authorization expired on March 9.
“Abroad with expired travel clearance and his continued defiance to the order of the House and the Committee to return to the country and perform his duties as a House member constitute disorderly behavior affecting the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives, which warrant disciplinary action,” the ethics panel stated.
According to the committee, Teves’ “misconduct has adversely affected the dignity, integrity, and reputation of his public office and that of the House of Representatives as an institution.”
Romualdez repeatedly called on Teves to return home to work and face the accusations leveled against him, assuring him that justice and fairness will be served.
Meanwhile, Romualdez previously assured residents of Negros Oriental that peace and order returned to the province. – gb
