The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges on Wednesday gave Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves five days to explain why he has not yet returned to the country given that his travel authority has expired.
In an interview with the media, COOP-NATCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares, chairman of the committee, said they will send a formal letter to ask for Teves' explanation on the matter.
"I think five days is enough for him to reply, or by [day] three, baka umuwi [na si Teves] sa Pinas," he said.
Espares clarified that his panel only agreed to acquire the jurisdiction on the Negros Oriental Congressman's expired travel authority.
The travel permit granted by the House of Representatives to Teves for his personal trip to America has already expired last March 9.
"Ang unang panawagan natin sa kaniya ay harapin niya ang mga sinasabi dito na mga allegation. Kung kaya sana, talagang mag-report siya dito sa House to explain here physically. Ayun ang the best," Espares further said.
On Tuesday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said he had a phone call with Teves who is in an "undetermined location".
He said that he reiterated to the Negros Oriental Congressman that he needs to return to the country as his travel permit abroad is no longer authorized. However, Romualdez said Teves refused due to the fear for his and his family's safety.
Teves is facing three counts of murder over the killings perpetuated in Negros Oriental back in 2019.
He is also being linked to the brutal murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. The arrested suspects earlier pointed him as the alleged mastermind who ordered Degamo's killing.
