Suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr said he expects the House of Representatives to come up with an expulsion verdict against him for his continued failure to physically show up in Congress to attend to his legislative duties.
In the event the House leadership comes up with such a decision, Teves said he will contest it.
“I don’t see any cogent reason for me to be expelled, but they can always do that through a vote. My peers can be easily pressured to do so because if you don’t toe the line, it’s over for you,” Teves said at a virtual press conference.
Teves has been suspended by the House due to disorderly conduct amid his continued absence from Congress.
He has been charged with murder in connection with the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo last March 4. But Teves denied any involvement in Degamo’s murder.
He said he refused to return home, citing “threats” to his life.
He once again questioned the decision of the House leadership to suspend him.
“Why did you suspend me? And twice at that? You are forcing me to go home when there is no case against me,” Teves stressed.
“Did I do something wrong before the barangay? Have I sinned against Congress? What is so difficult to understand about serious threats to life?” Teves added.
The House suspended Teves due to his continued absence on an expired travel authority, which “constitute a violation of code of conduct and disorderly behavior warranting disciplinary action.”
Aside from suspension, the House also revoked Teves rights and privileges as a member of the House in said period, and forfeiture of committee memberships.
