House serves expulsion notice on ex-Rep. Teves Jr.

HOUSE Secretary General Reginald

Velasco announced on Thursday that the lower chamber has served the expulsion notice to former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. as political parties strongly support the plenary decision against him.

Through a letter, Velasco said Teves was informed that the lower house has adopted the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

We have just released the letter to Mr. Teves Jr.; it was received by his office, informing him, through his office, about the decision of the plenary to expel him as a member of the House of Representatives,” Velasco said.

In an unprecedented move, the House expelled Teves for disorderly behavior and for violating the Code of Conduct of the lower chamber.

H ouse Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co described the leadership’s move as an act similar to that of a conscientious father who is firm in maintaining the institution’s integrity.

Co said the removal of Teves from the House is a demonstration of Romualdez’s commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in the legislative body, as it likewise ensures accountability among legislators.

“Speak er Romualdez’s historic decision resonates as an enduring embodiment of the principles that guide our revered legislative institution. This bold step establishes a vital precedent, reminding us unequivocally that, as stewards of the people’s trust, we are bound not solely by the imperative to formulate and enact judicious legislation but also by the solemn responsibility to conduct ourselves with dignity, honor, and integrity,” he said.

C rossing party lines, 265 lawmakers have voted to adopt the recommendation of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the expulsion of Teves.

A ccording to Co, the decision was based on three pivotal factors that could not be overlooked: his contentious pursuit of asylum in Timor-Leste, his frequent and unexcused absence from parliamentary duties that flagrantly violated House rules, and the disturbing instances of alleged “indecent behavior” displayed on social media platforms, which tarnished the image and integrity of the House of Representatives.

“ The decision is proof of Speaker Romualdez’s promise to safeguard the prestige, honor, and dignity of the House,” noted Co.

National Unity Party President and Camarines Sur Rep. Lray Villafuerte said the NUP is firmly behind the decision to expel Teves.

“ The credibility, honor, and effectiveness of our House of Representatives hinge on the utmost integrity, transparency, and commitment of its Members. As representatives of the Filipino people, our primary duty as lawmakers is to uphold our oath, serve our constituents, and perform our law-making tasks that advance the nation’s well-being,” he said.

“The evidence presented against Rep. Teves is strong and deeply concerning. Seeking political asylum in another nation without concrete reason and abandoning his law-making duties have put in jeopardy the trust that the people of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental have placed in him. Moreover, the tarnish on our institution’s reputation wrought by the designation of its member as a ‘terrorist’ demands immediate and decisive action,” Villafuerte added.

PDP-Laban Deputy Secretary General and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel expressed his party’s unambiguous endorsement for Teves’ expulsion.

“Our allegiance to the core tenets of democracy and the well-being of the Filipino people remains unshaken,” he said.

“In our unyielding dedication to the pillars of democracy, the PDP-Laban demands absolute integrity, steadfast commitment, and unblemished accountability from every elected representative under its banner,” he added.

Pimentel said the grave designation of a House member as a “terrorist” is an affront to the sanctity and honor of our institution.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

House bill on disaster food banks now up for Senate OK

THE House of Representatives has endorsed for Senate approval a bill providing for the establishment of disaster food banks and stockpiles throughout the country to speed up the delivery of relief goods and other supplies during calamities.

T his was after lawmakers last Wednesday approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) 8463, which mandates the construction of a Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile in every province and highly urbanized city in the country, providing for their maintenance and appropriating funds for their operation.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the proposal should be approved immediately since the country is visited every year by more than 20 typhoons, which have become stronger due to climate change.

“This reality requires us to prepare for the eventuality of storms and similar calamities displacing residents of affected areas. We have to have a faster, more efficient, and more effective system of responding to disasters and helping our people,” he said.

He said such a response can be institutionalized through the establishment of strategic food banks and stockpiles all over the country.

A single life we can save through the timely delivery of medicine, food, and critical items in the event of a calamity is worth more than the effort and money that will go into setting up these food and supply reserves,” the House leader said. Under the bill the disaster food bank and stockpile shall serve as the central repository of food, water, medicines, vaccines, antidotes, and other critical medical products, medical kits, portable power and light sources, clothing, tents,