The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges will resume its discussions on Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr.'s continued absence from work next week.
The next hearing of the COOP-NATCCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares-chaired panel has been slated on Monday, March 20, at 2 p.m.
Two matters specific matters could potentially be taken up during the Monday hearing. First is Teves' reply to the letter the panel sent him explaining his absence without official leave; and second, the granting or rejection of the Visayas congressman's request for a two-month leave of absence.
It was Wednesday, March 15 when the ethics committee took jurisdiction of Teves' case during its initial hearing. The first hearing was unannounced.
Teves, who is believed to be out of the country, is being implicated in the broad-daylight assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last March 4.
The House, through Secretary-General Reginald Velasco, earlier issued him a travel authority or travel clearance covering the dates Feb. 28 to March 9. Teves reportedly had stem cell treatment in the United States (US).
No less than House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been pleading for Teves to come home in order to answer the allegations against him.
The embattled solon has said through his legal counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio that he doesn't want to return to the country for fear of his life and his family's.
Hearings of the ethics committee are always done in an executive session, or behind closed doors, said Espares.