Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 18) — Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez on Friday said grounds were unclear on the expulsion of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, as he called on the the House of Representatives to identify actions that may lead to unseating a member.
While it was not recorded during the Aug. 16 plenary session, Alvarez on Thursday said he voted against the recommendation since the reasons cited by the Committee on Ethics to expel Teves were insufficient.
READ: Rep. Teves expelled from House
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, Alvarez said his vote goes beyond Teves.
“I am doing this on behalf of the members of the House now and in the future dahil (because) this precedent is very dangerous,” he said. The lawmaker said determining right and wrong is relative so it is important for the House to define the reasons or actions that may lead to the expulsion of a member.
“Paano na lang let’s say kung gusto ng leadership na tanggalin ka sa House of Representatives, magi-imbento sila ng mga instances sabihin nila grave reasons ‘yan enough to expel a member,” he pointed out.
[Translation: What if let’s say the leadership wants to remove you from the House of Representatives, they can just come up with instances and say those are grave reasons enough to expel a member.]
The former house speaker said the expulsion “rocks the very foundation of a republican and democratic form of government” since it deprived congressional representation for the third district of Negros Oriental.
While a caretaker may be named, there’s no assurance that the constituents will be in favor of the appointee, Alvarez said.
The Commission on Elections said it is up to the House to decide on a special election to replace Teves.
