Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. could be expelled from the House of Representatives if he does not return to the Philippines, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla warned on Monday, March 20.
“Very possible under the rules of the House. But it is up to the House to decide, to make its own decision on the case,” Remulla said during a press conference held by Special Task Force Degamo (the slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel R. Degamo).
He admitted that the DOJ cannot dictate what the House of Representatives should do about Teves who has been tagged by detained suspects as allegedly involved in the killings of Degamo and eight other persons last March 4.
Teves had an authorized travel to the United States until March 9. He failed to return to the Philippines after the expiration of his approved trip and sought a two-month extension of his leave of absence. The House of Representatives has yet to resolve the extension plea.
Teves’ camp had said “safety concerns” were the reasons for the congressman’ continued stay abroad.
Remulla, who has been a member of the House representing Cavite, pointed this out in response to the plea of Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, to expel Teves.
“He (Rep. Teves) should go home to face the music or sagutin ang mga tanong ganun lang naman kasimple yun (answer the questions, that’s simple). Hopefully, he goes home to answer the questions,” Remulla said.
At the moment, Remulla said that Teves has not conveyed to the authorities when he intends to return to the Philippines or if he still intends to come back.
“Hindi siya nagpaparamdam (He is not making himself felt). We don’t know if he is coming back or not,” Remulla added.