The House Ethics and Privileges Committee may reconvene and consider additional possible disciplinary action against Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves Jr. for his continued absence in Congress, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday, May 10.
According to Romualdez, Teves continues to reject the House's return to work order after the 60-day suspension period expires on June 7.
This comes after Timor-Leste denied Teves' request for political asylum and gave him five days to leave the country, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Romualdez strongly advised Teves against finding refuge in another country and abdicating his oath of office as a member of the House of Representatives.
"We, in the House of Representatives, view with great concern reports from the DOJ (Department of Justice) and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) that Rep. Arnie Teves has applied for political asylum in Timor Leste," he said.
Romualdez promised Teves that when he returns to the Philippines, the chamber will ensure his personal safety.
The HCEP had previously recommended Teves' suspension for failing to return to the country and report for work despite the fact that his travel authorization had expired on March 9.
The panel's recommendations were unanimously accepted by the House in March, with 292 favorable votes.
Teves was charged in the March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and eight others.
On Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the government has taken "concrete steps" to classify Teves as a terrorist under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Teves is currently in Dili, Timor-Leste, where he applied for political asylum, according to the DFA.

Due to Teves' 60-day suspension, Romualdez is temporarily acting as the legislative caretaker of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental.

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