The House Ethics Committee and Privilege has yet to decide on Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr.'s third sanction, Committee Vice Chairman Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said on Tuesday.
The second suspension order imposed by the House of Representatives against Teves expired last Monday, July 31.
In a press briefing, Bongalon noted the possible penalty will be discussed soon as there is still ongoing development on Teves' case.
"Probably, in one or two weeks [we will issue a sanction]. It depends because kanina bago kami nagtapos, napag-usapan na puwede pa kami mag-conduct ng mga committee hearings kasi merong bagong development, so that we will properly guided as to the proper action that the committee will take," he explained.
On Tuesday morning, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) issued a resolution declaring the Negros Oriental lawmaker and his armed group as a terrorists.
Bongalon said they have filed a moto prompto, acquiring jurisdiction over Teves' case.
"There will be a continuing investigation as to the case being faced by Congressman Arnie Teves Jr," the Committee Vice Chairman said.
Committee chairman Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., meanwhile, said they will be studying if the ATC's resolution will have a bearing on Teves' penalty.
Abante noted that Teves is allowed to attend House hearings and committees but he will need to seek the permission of House Secretary General Reginal Velasco.
"If any congressman would like to make use of video conferencing. He has to make his personal request on that and the reason why. Gayundin siya, kung gusto niya mag-participate dito sa amin via conferencing, then he must make a personal request," he said.
"Siya mismo ang mag-request, not through his lawyers," Abante added.
Velasco earlier issued a memorandum mandating a full face-to-face onsite workforce in Congress, but those who wish to have work-from-home arrangements will be subjected to the House SecGen's approval.
