The widow of slain former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has protested against a Senate panel's decision to allow suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves to virtually attend the hearing on the lawmaker's death and other killings in the province.

In a letter addressed to Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chairman Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo said she is disappointed that they granted Teves to testify via Zoom while she and other victims will physically attend, sacrificing their time, money, and security.

“This decision has greatly affected the victims who strongly disagree with such an accommodation. We believe all participants in the hearing should be treated equally and given the same opportunity to attend personally, regardless of their position or status," she said.

The Pamplona Mayor pointed out that Teves is considered a fugitive, hence his virtual attendance “should not be accommodated.”

The hearing on the slay case is set for next Monday, April 17.

Teves, who is reportedly in Cambodia, is tagged as the “main mastermind” in the killing of the former Negros Oriental governor.

Dela Rosa earlier assured the public that the hearing will not look like a "kangaroo court" or a court that disregards the standards of justice.