The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges refused to hear the side of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. on Monday afternoon, March 20 when the panel resumed proceedings on the embattled solon's expired travel clearance. The reason? Teves was only available via videoconferencing, whereas the panel members wanted him to participate in person. "Actually hindi din pinayagan natin, at the same time kailangan talaga mag-appear siya in person (Actually we didn't allow it, at the same time he really needs to appear in person)," committee chairman,  COOP-NATCCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares told House reporters following their closed-door hearing. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Teves--who left for United States (US) last Feb. 28 --would attend the ethics panel hearing via electronic or virtual means. Espares said the panel is giving the Visayas solon another 24 hours to show up in person, or else. "Kung hindi siya makapag-appear (If he won't be able to) personally in our committee, so the committee will really have its decision, the appropriate sanctions," he said. Espares said they will again hold another hearing Tuesday afternoon, March 21. Should Teves appear within these 24 hours, then the committee would no longer have to sanction him, he said. "Hindi allowed ang virtual [attendance] (Virtual attendance is not allowed). We need his physical appearance. Meaning we need him to report here in the House," Espares said.
Wednesday, March 22, is the House's final session date. The lawmakers would then go on a six-week summer break. Teves, whose travel clearance expired last March 9, is being tagged in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Degamo was gunned down outside his home last March 4. Teves' current whereabouts aren't clear.
The Espares committee wrote a letter to Teves last week asking him to explain his continued absence.