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Speaker Romualdez Stresses Impartiality Following Extension Of Suspension Against Rep. Arnie Teves
Photo credit: House Speaker Martin Romualdez
In a resolute speech delivered before the sine die adjournment on Wednesday, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez made it clear that he harbors no personal grudges against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., who has repeatedly defied the House of Representatives' order to return and face the murder charges filed against him. Speaker Romualdez underscored the importance of preserving the integrity of the Congress, asserting that personal matters should not interfere with the fulfillment of their sworn duties and obligations to the Filipino people.
"Hindi natin papayagan na sirain ninuman ang integridad ng Kongreso. Walang personalan dito. Ginagawa lamang natin ang sinumpaan nating tungkulin at pangako sa sambayanan," emphasized Speaker Romualdez, referring to the need for Teves to address the murder allegations involving Governor Roel Degamo.
He reiterated the principle that, as members of the House, they must always be accountable to the people and carry out their legislative mandates with the highest level of competence, efficiency, effectiveness, integrity, and devotion to the welfare of the nation. Speaker Romualdez declared that this serves as a reminder to all representatives to conduct themselves with dignity and to be worthy of the trust and confidence bestowed upon them by the Filipino people.
Furthermore, Speaker Romualdez reminded all congressmen of their duty to adhere to the "Code of Conduct," which requires members to act in a manner that reflects positively on the House. They must also follow both the spirit and the letter of the Rules of the House and the Rules of the Committees.
Last March, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges launched an investigation into the disciplinary actions against Rep. Teves. Although Teves was initially suspended for 60 days, his suspension lapsed on May 22. However, he had already left for the United States in February this year.
Prior to the adjournment of Wednesday's session, the House of Representatives approved the recommendation put forth by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to impose an additional 60-day suspension on Teves, accompanied by the forfeiture of his committee membership. Consequently, all rights and privileges afforded to Teves as a member of the House of Representatives during the same period have been suspended.
Speaker Romualdez's steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of impartiality, accountability, and dignity within the House of Representatives serves as a reminder to all members of Congress of their responsibilities to the Filipino people and the importance of acting in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
"Hindi natin papayagan na sirain ninuman ang integridad ng Kongreso. Walang personalan dito. Ginagawa lamang natin ang sinumpaan nating tungkulin at pangako sa sambayanan," emphasized Speaker Romualdez, referring to the need for Teves to address the murder allegations involving Governor Roel Degamo.
He reiterated the principle that, as members of the House, they must always be accountable to the people and carry out their legislative mandates with the highest level of competence, efficiency, effectiveness, integrity, and devotion to the welfare of the nation. Speaker Romualdez declared that this serves as a reminder to all representatives to conduct themselves with dignity and to be worthy of the trust and confidence bestowed upon them by the Filipino people.
Furthermore, Speaker Romualdez reminded all congressmen of their duty to adhere to the "Code of Conduct," which requires members to act in a manner that reflects positively on the House. They must also follow both the spirit and the letter of the Rules of the House and the Rules of the Committees.
Last March, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges launched an investigation into the disciplinary actions against Rep. Teves. Although Teves was initially suspended for 60 days, his suspension lapsed on May 22. However, he had already left for the United States in February this year.
Prior to the adjournment of Wednesday's session, the House of Representatives approved the recommendation put forth by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to impose an additional 60-day suspension on Teves, accompanied by the forfeiture of his committee membership. Consequently, all rights and privileges afforded to Teves as a member of the House of Representatives during the same period have been suspended.
Speaker Romualdez's steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of impartiality, accountability, and dignity within the House of Representatives serves as a reminder to all members of Congress of their responsibilities to the Filipino people and the importance of acting in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
Jun 1, 2023
