SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has not yet received any communication or word from Negros Oriental Rep. Arnulfo Teves since he appealed to him to go back to the Philippines.

In a statement, Romualdez said he is expecting Arnie to heed his appeal and report for work as soon as possible.

“I have yet to receive any communication from Cong. Arnie since I appealed to him to return home,”

The Speaker said Teves stay outside the country is no longer authorized by the House of Representatives.

Initial reports said that Teves is allegedly the main suspect in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Rol Degamo.

“Nagsalita na ang mga opisyal ng PNP. They are willing to provide security to protect him from bodily harm. All Cong Arnie needs to do is make the appropriate request. Our law enforcers cannot extend this protection outside the Philippines,” the Speaker added.

Earlier, he Teves to go home and face the charges hurled against him.

Teves’ authority to travel to the United States is covered only by the period February 28 to March 9, 2023.

“Makabubuti rin na umuwi si Cong. Arnie para harapin ang pagkakadawit ng pangalan ng kanilang pamilya sa pagkamatay ni Gov. Roel Degamo,” he added.

The House leader said they also want to hear the story or side of Teves.

REMULLA GUARANTEES TEVES’ SAFETY UPON RETURN FROM US

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Teves is guaranteed safety upon his return .

“He will be secured. Hindi namin siya pababayaan. He will be secured,” Remulla said in an interview at the Department of Justice (DOJ) grounds in Manila yesterday.

Teves, who is currently in the United States, intends to answer allegations linking him to the Degamo slay and murder complaints previously filed against him in relation to killings that occurred in 2019.

However, his camp has yet to provide a specific date for his return, citing “security concerns.”

Teves travel authority to the United States (US) is covered only from February 28 to March 9. With Hector Lawas