The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges has rejected the request of Pamplona, Negros Occidental Mayor Janice Degamo which sought the expulsion of suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves.
In an interview with the media, COOP-NATCO Party-list Rep. and panel head Felimon Espares explained that they rejected Degamo's appeal due to "lack of sworn and lack of content."
"Unang una, it is not a sworn complaint. Kapag hindi siya sworn complaint, hindi siya qualified dito sa committee. There are a lot of requirements also, according to our committee rules dapat to comply. A mere cure of amendments is not also considered in this committee also. The defects of the complaints," he said.
Espares said he informed Degamo that her letter was rejected last April 4.
Last March 22, the Pamplona Mayor submitted a letter to the House of Representatives seeking to expel Teves from his post.
Degamo is the wife of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo who was brutally murdered in March.
Teves, who is currently abroad, is being tagged as the main mastermind behind the brutal killing. Murder charges have been formally filed against the Negros Oriental lawmaker on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Espares said the ethics panel will convene again to determine the fate of Teves as his 60-day suspension will lapse next week.
"Kung walang Arnolfo Teves na sisipot before the lapse, sabi ko nga, again, this committee will acquire jurisdiction to motu promo to discuss this case and of course, due process will be followed," he said.
