Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa stated that Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is under suspension, has confirmed his participation in the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee probe regarding the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
“He has confirmed [his attendance],” the seantor said in an ANC interview.
“He has made his commitment through his secretary, communicating with my committee secretariat that he is going to attend virtually during the hearing.”
The committee chairman, Dela Rosa, restated that the Senate cannot hold Teves in contempt due to his current status as a sitting member of the House of Representatives, which entitles him to inter-parliamentary courtesy.
Senator Dela Rosa considers Teves’ decision to participate in the Senate investigation as a positive development and emphasizes the importance of hearing his perspective on the allegations implicating him in Governor Degamo’s murder.
“Siguro gagamitin niya itong avenue para yung side niya rin marinig ng publiko. And that is a good sign, if he wants to attend our probe,” he said.
“No problem with me (if he will clear his name). He can do everything he wants to say. I am there to control the proceedings of the hearing. So kung gagamitin niya yung committee hearing ko for grandstanding or whatever, I’m there to control, I’m there to moderate everything,” he added.
Arnie Teves to virtually attend hearing on Degamo slay
During an interview with Senate reporters, Dela Rosa stated that he would permit Teves and Janice Degamo, the late governor’s widow and Pamplona Mayor, to face each other in the committee but would require them to adhere to parliamentary protocols when posing questions, specifically addressing the panel chairman.
“Well to a certain degree [I will allow it], but their communication has to be addressed to me,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa revealed that Janice Degamo has already confirmed her presence at the Senate inquiry scheduled for April 17th. Conversely, Pryde Henry Teves, brother of Arnie Teves, has declined the committee’s invitation.
Pryde Teves had been declared the victor in the 2022 gubernatorial race in Negros Oriental. However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) later invalidated his candidacy, citing a certain “Ruel Degamo” as a nuisance candidate. The votes originally intended for Ruel Degamo were then awarded to the late Governor Roel Degamo, making him the official governor. The Supreme Court upheld the Comelec’s decision.
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