Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) — House Speaker Martin Romualdez will act as the caretaker of Negros Oriental’s 3rd legislative district while Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. serves his 60-day suspension.
“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,” a House Memorandum Order signed by Romualdez read.
Through a 292-0-0 vote, the House of Representatives suspended Teves – the district’s representative – for 60 days due to his continued absence.
The congressman left for the United States on Feb. 28 on a travel authorization valid only until March 9. He has since remained out of the country.
READ: House suspends Teves for 60 days over continued absence
The Department of Justice said Teves was one of the suspected masterminds behind the March 4 assassination of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. The camp of the slain governor has called for Teves’ expulsion from the House.
READ: SOJ: Rep. Teves among the suspected masterminds behind Degamo assassination
Teves, for his part, refused to return to the country as he claimed that threats were made on his life.
