House Speaker Martin Romualdez has told controversial Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to return to the Philippines as soon as he can.

This was confirmed by Romualdez in a statement sent to House of Representatives reporters on Friday afternoon, March 10.

“I advise Rep. Arnie Teves to come back to the country as soon as possible,” said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).This was confirmed by Romualdez in a statement sent to House of Representatives reporters on Friday afternoon, March 10.

“His authority to travel to the United States (US) is covered only by the period February 28 to March 9, 2023. Clearly, the TA (travel authority) of Rep. Teves has expired effective today. His travel outside the country beyond the period mentioned is no longer authorized by the House of Representatives,” the House leader said.

“Makabubuti rin na umuwi si Cong. Arnie para harapin ang pagkakadawit ng pangalan ng kanilang pamilya sa pagkamatay ni [Negros Oriental] Gov. Roel Degamo (It’s also better for Cong. Arnie to come home and face the allegations that his family is linked to the death of Gov. Roel Degamo),” he said.

“We all want to hear his (Teves) side of the story,” stressed Romualdez, Leyte’s 1st district representative.

“Maraming buhay ang nawala maliban kay Gov. Degamo. Umamin na ang mga nahuling salarin sa partisipasyon nila sa krimen. Hindi titigil ang pamahalaan para kilalanin at papanagutin ang mga nasa likod ng brutal na krimeng ito (A lot of lives were lost aside from that of Gov. Degamo. The arrested suspects have admitted their participation in the crime. The government will not stop in unmasking and prosecuting the people behind this brutal crime),” he added.