Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. 鈥擥RIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Speaker Martin Romualdez has advised Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. to return home to face allegations that he was behind the March 4 murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.
But Teves has sought an extension of his stay abroad to April 9, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Romualdez said the congressman鈥檚 authority to travel to the United States was only valid from February 28 to March 9.
鈥淐learly, the travel authority of Teves has expired effective today,鈥� the House leader said in a statement on Friday. 鈥淗is travel outside the country beyond the period mentioned is no longer authorized by the House of Representatives.鈥�
鈥楶ersonal trip鈥�
Teves, in his video post on Facebook last Monday, said he was in the United States to undergo stem cell therapy.
He also denied any involvement in the murder of his political nemesis.
Velasco said the House cannot compel the lawmaker to come home since his trip is not in an official capacity.
鈥淚f it鈥檚 a personal trip, 鈥� our authority is very limited. Our function is only monitoring or ministerial,鈥� he said.
鈥淏ut if it鈥檚 an official trip using government funds, a diplomatic passport, then he has to come home right away after that meeting, conference or engagement,鈥� the House official added.
Nevertheless, Romualdez said, 鈥淚t would be best if [Teves] will come home to face allegations that he is involved in the death of Degamo. We all want to hear his side of the story.鈥�
鈥淭he accused who were arrested already admitted their participation in the crime. The government will not stop in identifying and holding accountable those who are behind this brutal crime,鈥� the Speaker said.
鈥楳edical leave鈥�
Velasco said the House could not act on Teves鈥� request for an extension of his stay abroad, since it did not have his signature and did not specify where else he would travel and on what dates.
The secretary general also cited Teves鈥� lawyer Ferdinand Topacio as saying at a press interview that Teves is on medical leave.
READ: Degamo slay case: 鈥極bserve sobriety鈥� with accusations vs Teves 鈥� counsel
鈥淏ut up to this time we have not received any formal communication that he is on medical leave,鈥� Velasco said.
He explained that under House rules, the committee on ethics can recommend 鈥渄isciplinary or punitive penalties鈥� on a congressman who does not return home past his allowed travel period.
Still, Velasco said his office鈥檚 legal team will study Teves鈥� case by Monday.
鈥淔light is an indication of guilt and if he had nothing to do with the crime, he would not have wanted this to happen,鈥� said the senator, who immediately turned himself in following his indictment in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam of 2014.
鈥擶ITH A REPORT FROM MARLON RAMOS
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