House Speaker Martin Romualdez has named himself as the legislative caretaker of Negros Oriental's 3rd district, which is the district of controversial Congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr.

This was made effective through House of Representative Memorandum Order No. 19-017, dated March 23, 2023. This was issued and signed by Romualdez himself.

“In the interest of the people of the 3rd district of Negros Oriental, the undersigned shall act as the legislative caretaker of the 3rd district of Negros Oriental for the period 23 March 2023 to 22 May 2023. This order takes effect immediately,” the memorandum order read.

The memorandum was dated a day after the House plenary unanimously upheld a recommendation from the Committee on Ethics to suspend Teves for 60 days due to "disorderly behavior".

Teves, who is being implicated in the March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has been out of the country since Feb. 28.

He has refused to come back home for security reasons. This, despite assurances from Romualdez regarding his safety.

The House leadership traditionally names caretakers for districts not represented in the chamber due to various reasons, including the appointment of the member to a Cabinet position, suspension, or expulsion of a member.

The House had earlier issued Teves a travel clearance covering the dates Feb. 28 to March 9. He went to the United States (US) for stem cell treatment.

The ethics panel said the representative’s stay “abroad with expired travel clearance and his continued defiance to the orders of the House and the Committee to return to the country and perform his duties as a House member constitute disorderly behavior affecting the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives, which warrant disciplinary action".

The committee said Teves failed to observe the norms of conduct and ethical standards expected of public officials, and his “misconduct has adversely affected the dignity, integrity, and reputation of his public office and that of the House of Representatives as an institution".

Also on March 23, the lower chamber began its lenghty summer break, which will last until May 7.