Teves a no-show at House

Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. File Photo

NEGROS Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. did not show up on Tuesday afternoon at the House of Representatives despite an order for him to do so to face allegations over his alleged involvement in the killing of his political rival Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges gave him until late Tuesday to physically report to the House and join the committee's meeting.

The committee completed its investigation on Teves' failure to return to the country and report for work after his House-issued travel authority expired. The lawmaker went to the US to undergo medical treatment. He has not gone back to the Philippines since the death of Degamo and eight others in a shooting incident in his home last March 4, 2023.

“The continuing failure of Representative Arnie Teves to heed the committee order to appear before the panel leaves us no choice but to wrap up the investigation […] without his valid explanation”, Coop Natcco Rep. Felimon Espares, the committee chairman, said.

“The committee has reached a conclusion by […] unanimous voting and we will transmit and submit our report at once—and recommendation—to the plenary for appropriate action”, Espares said.

The House had granted Teves a travel clearance for a personal trip covering the period February 28 to March 9.

At the Pandesal Forum on March 13, 2023, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said that Teves “intends to return to clear his name” but that there was a big concern over his security.

Teves has denied involvement in the killing.