Teves has expressed support for Duterte's war on drugs, proposing an inexpensive rehabilitation program for drug dependents, and stating that he himself "was a very long time a drug addict" but has been "clean for the last 16 plus years" last 2016.[6]
Congressional career and controversy
In 2018, Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative L-ray Villafuerte asked Teves to explain his alleged link to illegal e-gambling platforms. That same year, Teves also figured in an argument with Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Sandra Cam after she accused him of controlling gambling operations in his province.[7]
On September 17, 2020, Teves challenged L-ray Villafuerte to a fistfight and dropped homophobic slurs to refer to Villafuerte after the former questioned the budget allocation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to various congressional districts in the country, particularly the funds allocated to the localities of Villafuerte and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.[8] He also verbally feuded with Villafuerte during a coup in the House of Representatives in October, during which Cayetano was removed as speaker by a majority of legislators and replaced with Lord Allan Velasco, whom Teves was a close ally.[7]
On March 4, 2023, one month after the Supreme Court proclaimed Roel Degamo as governor of Negros Oriental in a contested election[15] versus former governor, Arnolfo Teves' brother, Pryde Henry Teves,[16] Degamo was assassinated in his home. Teves has denied any involvement in his death,[17] criticizing those who had tried to accuse him and citing that the Teves's have nothing to gain.[18] He has been on medical leave in the United States since February 28,[19] and in March 15, has requested for a two-month leave, citing a "very grave threat" to his life and his family.[20]
On March 22, 2023, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to suspend Teves for failing to return to the country despite having an expired travel clearance.[21] The travel authority issued to Teves was valid only between February 28 and March 9.[20] Suspension lasts 60 days and is the second highest penalty in the House, only next to expulsion;[21] it was extended for another 60 days on May 31.[22]
Teves remained abroad. On May 9, Teves had an application to seek political asylum in Timor Leste which was rejected.[23] The following day, the Department of Justice (DOJ) was informed that a blue notice was issued against Teves by Interpol.[24] On July 26, 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated him, his brother Pryde Henry and 11 others as terrorists due to their links to "alleged killings and harassments," including Degamo's murder, in Negros Oriental.[25] This was the first time the council designated an elected official as a terrorist.[26] In response, Teves criticized President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, several members of his cabinet, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and others in an online press conference for using his case to distract from other issues in the country, while his lawyer called his terrorist designation an "overreaction".[27]
On August 26, the Department of Justice announced that murder charges were filed before a regional trial court in Manila against Teves over Degamo's assassination.[28] On September 5, the court released an arrest warrant for Teves over the murder.[29] As of September 13, the DOJ believes that Teves is in hiding somewhere in Southeast Asia under the protection of local warlords.[30] Later that month, Teves was confirmed to be staying in Timor Leste by former Senator Manny Pacquiao who visited the country for an official visit.[31]
Expulsion
On August 16, 2023, Teves was unanimously expelled by the House of Representatives due to his abandonment of duty, prolonged absence, and "indecent behavior on social media." With this, he became the first expelled representative since the restoration of the Congress in 1987.[2] In response, his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio called the body a "kangaroo court".[32]
Following his expulsion, the Commission on Elections announced that special elections would be held to choose his successor on December 9, 2023. However, on November 8, the body cancelled the elections following a resolution from the House of Representatives which cited concerns about the situation in the district and an appeal by Teves against his expulsion in the Supreme Court.[33]
Personal life
From a clan of politicians and businessmen, Teves is the brother of politician Pryde Henry Teves. They are nephews of former Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, grandsons of former Negros Oriental governor Herminio "Meniong" Teves, and grandnephews of former governor Lorenzo Teves.[1] Their aunt, Virginia "Bebot" Teves-Laurel, is the mother of designer Rajo Laurel. Their grandaunt, Paulita Teves, is the mother of singer Boboy Garrovillo.
In March 2022, Teves' then 24-year-old son Kurt Matthew Teves was caught on video and went viral after he beat up and challenged a village security guard in BF Homes, Parañaque, to a shootout.[35][36][37][38]
