Speaker Martin Romualdez advised Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves to return to the Philippines and answer the allegations against him, including some crimes. The congressman who is currently in America, allegedly requested to extend his travel authority which has expired this Friday, March 10, 2023.
In a statement this Friday, Romualdez said that the travel authority issued by the Speaker’s office, which allowed the lawmaker to leave the country, has expired this Friday.
“l advise Representative Arnie Teves to come back to the country as soon as possible. His authority to travel to the United States is covered only by the period February 28 to March 9, 2023. Clearly, the travel authority of Representative Teves has expired effective today,” said Romualdez.
“His travel outside the country beyond the period mentioned is no longer authorized by the House of Representatives. Makabubuti rin na umuwi si Cong. Arnie para harapin ang pagkakadawit ng pangalan ng kanilang pamilya sa pagkamatay ni Governor Roel Degamo.We all want to hear his side of the story,” added Romualdez.
Degamo was shot and killed on March 4 in his home by armed men. Eight others were killed, and 17 injured.
Speaker Romualdez advises Rep. Arnie Teves to go home
Some of the arrested suspects said that a “Cong Teves” allegedly ordered the killing of Degamo.
The police also filed a murder case against Teves in connection with the killing incident in 2019.
It was previously reported that Teves went to America for medical reasons.
This Friday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said that Teves allegedly requested through his chief of staff to extend the congressman’s travel authority.
Teves’ request has not yet been met due to the lack of information.
“Nakalagay lang sa request ng chief of staff, pinapa-extend yung trip, personal trip ni (Rep. Teves) up to April 9. Tapos nakalagay roon, Europe at saka Asia, Southeast Asia if i’m not mistaken. We cannot act on it ‘pag walang specific countries,” explained Velasco.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio assured in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB this Friday that his client Teves will not hide and will face the allegations thrown at the lawmaker.
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