Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 17) — Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez on Thursday said he opposed the expulsion of Arnolfo Teves Jr. from the House of Representatives after it was previously announced that no lawmaker voted against the move.
Alvarez wrote a letter to Majority Leader and Zamboanga Rep. Mannix Dalipe, requesting that his “no” vote be reflected in the records and journal of the lower chamber.
He said he doesn’t believe that the grounds cited by the Committee on Ethics in its recommendation to expel Teves are sufficient to kick out the lawmaker. The ethics panel cited as reasons Teves’ continued absence without leave, his pursuit of political asylum in Timor-Leste, his recent designation as a “terrorist,” and his “indecent behavior” on social media.
“Grave ba yun? Parang hindi naman yata [Are those grave? I don’t think so],” Alvarez said. “Maraming iba na mas mabigat pa ang kasalanan pero hindi naman tinanggal [There are people who have committed more severe violations but weren’t expelled].”
The Davao del Norte lawmaker said he also believes Teves’ expulsion deprives the people who voted for him of representation in Congress.
He added that the House should have “let due process take its course” while cases against Teves are pending, including in connection with the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo where Teves was alleged to be the mastermind.
“Yung hukuman ang maghusga pagkatapos makita yung ebidensya, at kung nagkasala, edi hatulan nila, at tsaka nila tanggalin sa Kamara. Kahapon, parang sinabi ng Kongreso na sige, kami na lahat: judge, jury, and executioner,” Alvarez said.
[Translation: The court should judge based on evidence, and if Teves did commit a crime, then that’s when the House should render its judgment and expel him. Yesterday, it seemed that Congress said it’ll act as everything: judge, jury, and executioner],”
