Embattled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. will participate in the House ethics committee’s hearing on his continued absence in Congress proceedings.

In a press briefing, Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who handles the cases of Cong. Teves, said that Speaker Martin Romualdez had again denied the two-month leave requested by the lawmaker.

Teves is presently out of the country.

“May mga information na gusto niya (Teves) ibahagi sa House Committee on Ethics, kung bakit siya fine-frame-up, kung bakit hindi siya makasipot ng personal. This is a matter of life and death,” Topacio said.

The travel authority of Teves expired last March 9. He is facing a various criminal complaints in connection with illegal firearms and killings perpetrated in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Earlier on March 4, Degamo was assassinated by assailants who pointed to a certain “Cong Teves” as the one who allegedly ordered the hit on the victim.

The congressman post his own videom where he denied the accusations.

The Department of Justice has said that they looking at all angles and other personalities, but they are not just focusing its investigation on Teves.

“Magpa-participate si Congressman Teves via teleconference sa hearing mamaya. They said they are eager to hear the side of Congressman Teves. You can even vote via teleconference. Baka makita nilang valid iyong reasons ni Congressman Teves at baka maunawaan nila,” Topacio added.

Catherine R. Cueto