Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) — Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has made the commitment to virtually attend the Senate investigation into the killing of government officials, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said on Thursday.
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Dela Rosa, will start its probe next week into the cases, including the March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.
“Nag-confirm siya through his secretary, nag-confirm sa aking secretariat,” Dela Rosa said in an interview.
[Translation: He confirmed through his secretary, who in turn confirmed through my secretariat.]
Dela Rosa likewise verfiied Teves’ virtual attendance in a text message to CNN Philippines.
Teves has been out of the country since Feb. 28 on a travel authorization from the House of Representatives. The travel permit expired March 9.
Due to his absence, he was suspended from his congressional post for 60 days.
On Apr. 11, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed that Teves was in Cambodia
READ: Remulla: Arnie Teves ‘still in Cambodia’
When asked what he expects from Teves’ attendance at the probe, Dela Rosa said he will let him speak out.
“I am the chairman, I will control everything, I will moderate everything. At kung nakikita ko na gagamitin niya yung aking [And if I see that he is using my] committee for his grandstanding, I will control him,” Dela Rosa said.
“Nandoon tayo to hear both sides so pakinggan pa rin natin siya,” he added.
[Translation: We are there to hear both sides so let’s listen to him.]
According to Dela Rosa, the officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police were invited to the Senate probe.
