Special Election to be Held in Negros Oriental to Fill Vacancy Left by Expulsion of Arnolfo Teves Jr.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to hold a special election in December, at the earliest, to fill the seat left vacant by the expulsion of Arnolfo Teves Jr. as the representative of the third legislative district of Negros Oriental province. This decision was made after members of the House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 1212, which calls for a special election in the district.
The resolution, filed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, certified the existing vacancy in the lower chamber caused by Teves’ expulsion. The resolution stated that Teves’ constituents were left “without representation” in the House.
According to Comelec Chair George Garcia, the special election may be conducted in December 2023, with a four-month timeline. However, integrating the special election into the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls on October 30 is no longer feasible.
Garcia assured that the Comelec would comply promptly if directed by the lower chamber to hold a special election in the district. He also clarified that Teves’ expulsion does not permanently disqualify him from seeking public office.
The special election will be held to fill the unexpired term in accordance with Section 9, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution. Republic Act No. 6645 and Republic Act No. 7166 provide the legal framework for calling and conducting a special election.
Teves was expelled from the House last week following a vote by 265 lawmakers and a recommendation from the House ethics and privileges committee. He had been suspended twice before and was expelled on three grounds: abandonment of office, violation of oath due to prolonged unauthorized absence and bid for political asylum in Timor-Leste, and indecent behavior shown in a Facebook video.
Teves’ removal marks the first instance of a House member being expelled without a prior conviction for a criminal offense. He is currently facing a complaint for the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and has been indicted for three other murders in his province.
