Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 21) — The camp of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Governor Roel Degamo, will request the House Ethics and Privileges Committee to allow him to appear via videoconference in a hearing set after his suspension ends on Monday.
“We will request that (appearance via videoconferencing) in accordance with House rules and constitutional provisions on due process,” Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said in a text message on Sunday.
The committee is set to meet on Tuesday at 10 a.m. to discuss the possible sanctions to be imposed on Teves due to his failure to report for work after his personal trip to the United States.
The House suspended Teves for 60 days starting March due to his refusal to return to the country after his travel clearance expired. He had sought permission from Speaker Martin Romualdez to travel to the US for medical reasons on Feb. 28.
Nueva Ecija Rep. Ria Vergara, vice chairperson of the panel, said the meeting on Tuesday will be “strictly face-to-face.Should Cong. Arnie Teves wish to attend this face-to-face meeting, he is most welcome,” she said.
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Degamo was assassinated on March 4. Teves was last known to be in Timor-Leste, where he made a failed bid for political asylum.Asked when he plans to return to the country, Teves told CNN Philippines on Friday: “When there is a semblance of fairness.”
