Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves has found himself in the spotlight not just for his political issues but also for a peculiar video.
A 59-second clip, uploaded on June 5 on his Facebook page, features Teves dancing in just an undershirt and boxer shorts. The video begins with Teves saying, “I’m serious. I just learned this. This is the newest training for terrorists,” before he starts dancing to the tune of budots, a popular electronic dance music from the southern Philippines.
Teves has defended the video, insisting it was a satirical take on the government’s efforts to label him a ‘terrorist.’ In a letter addressed to the ethics committee, he wrote, “That video, made in the exercise of my right to free expression…was meant clearly as a satire…it was meant to poke fun, not at the House of Representatives, but on the efforts…to paint me as a ‘terrorist’.”
The congressman also pointed out that he has been posting videos in minimal attire since 2020, making it a part of his online “branding.”
Section 142 of the House Rules dictates that a lawmaker must “act at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.” While the dancing video has grabbed attention, it wasn’t the primary focus of the House ethics panel’s recent meeting. More pressing concerns include Teves’ alleged absence from duty post-expiration of his travel clearance and his controversial designation as a terrorist.
Teves is also implicated in the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in February and is said to lead the “Teves Terrorist Group” as per an Anti-Terrorism Council resolution. He has vehemently denied these allegations and cites threats to his life as the reason for his absence from the Philippines.
The ethics panel has prepared a recommendation regarding Teves’ case. With suspension already imposed twice, expulsion is now being considered.