00:00 In the plenary session, the House Ethics Committee explained the reason behind its recommendation
00:04 to formally impose the expulsion of Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnulfo Tevez,
00:10 Jr.
00:11 Mela Las Moras tells us more details in this report.
00:15 With 265 members voting in the affirmative, zero against, and three abstentions, the findings
00:24 and recommendations contained in Committee Report No. 717 on the matter of Rep. Arnulfo
00:31 Arnie A. Tevez are now adopted.
00:35 In a historic move, the House of Representatives expelled today embattled Negros Oriental Rep.
00:41 Arnulfo Arnie Tevez, Jr. from the chamber for disorderly behavior and for violation
00:47 of the Code of Conduct of the Lower House.
00:50 During the plenary session, the House members adopted the unanimous recommendation of the
00:54 House Committee on Ethics and Privileges on this matter.
00:58 According to Ethics Committee Chair Philimon Espares, they have conducted a thorough deliberation
01:03 and numerous meetings while observing fairness and due process before coming up with this
01:08 recommendation.
01:09 He also elaborated the basis of their decision, which the House later approved.
01:14 Number one, his ongoing persistent pursuit of his application for political asylum in
01:23 the country of Timor-Leste.
01:26 Number two, his continuous absence without leave in the House of Representatives in violation
01:33 of our House rules.
01:36 And number three, his indecent behavior portrayed in social media, which reflects discredit
01:44 in the House of Representatives and diminishes the secure of the position.
01:50 In a statement released by Tevez' lawyer, Atty.
01:53 Ferdinand Topacio, he says this is a dark day for the rule of law, but they will now
01:57 move to the next battle where they hope to get the desired results.
02:01 In an interview earlier, Topacio said once the lower house decides to expel his client,
02:06 they will possibly appeal to the Supreme Court.
02:08 Is it possible?
02:09 Can this be appealed?
02:12 I believe so.
02:13 I think that the respondent will be the House of Representatives already by then.
02:20 So we'll wait and see.
02:22 Mel Alasmoraz for The Nation.
