House ethics panel likely to stop Teves proceedings if he returns –solon

The House Ethics Committee is likely to stop its proceedings against Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. if Teves decides to come home, panel Chairperson and COOP-NATCCO party-list Representative Felimon Espares said Tuesday.

Espares made the announcement after his committee deliberated on the continued absence of Teves in congressional proceedings amid murder and other related complaints filed against him over the March 4 assassination of the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. 

Teves’ 60-day suspension without pay imposed by the House expired on Monday, May 22, and he has yet to return to the country.

“We all know this is about his continuing absence. Wala siya rito sa Pilipinas, expired na iyong kanyang travel authority, meaning absent siya at unauthorized ang absence niya,” Espares told reporters.

(He is outside the country on an expired travel authority. That is an unauthorized absence.)

“Kung umuwi siya rito, baka wala ng gagawin ang committee,” Espares added.

(If he comes home, maybe the committee won’t proceed.)

Espares was referring to the House's unanimous decision two months ago that deemed Teves’ absence, amid his expired travel authority, as disorderly conduct and meted him a 60-day suspension without pay.

House Ethics Committee Vice-Chairperson Ria Vergara of Nueva Ecija, for her part, said "Teves' continuous unauthorized absence is continuous disorderly conduct."

Espares also revealed that his committee again called on Teves to come home before his suspension expired last May 22, and that Teves replied to their correspondence.

Espares, however, refused to disclose the details of Teves’ reply. 

“In accordance with our committee rules, that is confidential,” he said.

Espares said that his committee already came up with recommendations on Teves’ case and that it is expected to be subjected to a plenary vote next week.

Teves has repeatedly denied the allegations against him which he maintains are all politically motivated. — DVM, GMA Integrated News