Speaker to Teves: Come home and let’s talk
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez yesterday insisted that Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. should immediately return to the country as a necessary condition to address his concerns over his safety.
Speaker Romualdez had earlier assured Teves he will exert all efforts to ensure the safety of all House Members adding he ordered the House Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prepare security arrangements should he decide to return to the country.
“Come back home as a sign of good faith and we could discuss all your concerns,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He noted reports that Teves, who is implicated in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, has left the United States and is currently somewhere in Southeast Asia.
In a statement on social media, Teves claimed he could not return because of continuing threats to his life.
“But why can’t you just come back so you can personally explain your side and allow us to discuss all your concerns? It’s not proper to course your requests over social media,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He noted that no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. himself has assured the safety of Teves if he returns to the country.
“How can we be assured of your sincerity to respect our judicial system and assess the veracity of the supposed threats to your life if you are not willing to personally appear before us, your colleagues in the House?” Speaker Romualdez said.
Before going into its Lenten break, the House unanimously approved the recommendation of the ethics panel to impose a 60-day suspension on Teves for “disorderly conduct” following continued absence since March 9 when his travel authority to the United States expired.
