Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) — The House ethics and privileges committee may announce its third recommended sanction against Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. “in one or two weeks,” as the investigation into the terrorist-tagged congressman continues.
Probably in one or two weeks,” said committee vice chairman Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, who added it will still depend on the committee hearings.In a briefing on Tuesday, Bongalon explained that the panel may still conduct committee hearings to see possible developments on Teves’ case. He said the results of these hearings will guide the committee’s action against the lawmaker.We’re not yet in the discussion as to the penalty that can be recommended by the committee in ethics, but again there will be a continuing investigation,” Bongalon said.Teves, who was accused of masterminding the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, was given two consecutive 60-day suspensions for failing to comply with the panel’s order to return to the Philippines and testify before the House of Representatives.
Teves has been appealing to be allowed to participate in the hearings through video conferences, citing threats against his family and himself as the reason for his refusal to appear onsite in Congress.
Committee chairman Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. stressed that should Teves still wish to attend hearings via video conference, he must personally make a request to the House Speaker or the Secretary General.
After his second suspension issued on May 31 lapsed, Teves was designated as a terrorist and leader of an alleged armed group by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).
