A Senate panel on Monday blocked the virtual attendance of suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves in the hearing on the slay case of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and other killings perpetuated in Negros Oriental.
"The members of this committee unanimously agreed not to allow the virtual presence of Congressman Teves," Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chairman Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa said.
According to the Senator, the panel made the move due to legal issues about Teves' oath that may arise later and the unknown whereabouts of the latter that may be questioned legally.
However, Dela Rosa noted that his physical presence is welcome.
"If he wants to come here physically, then by all means, we will entertain. Lahat ng gusto niyang sabihin ay pakikinggan natin. In the spirit of fairness, this Committee would not like to be misconstrued as a one-sided Committee. We want to open up all avenues para pakinggan 'yung both sides but physically. Ayun lang ang pakiusap namin," he said.
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito said even the legal counsels of the Congressman would not be allowed by the committee to virtually attend.
Last week, Degamo's widow Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo first protested against a Senate panel's decision to allow Teves to virtually attend the hearing.
Teves, who is still overseas, is being tagged as the mastermind who allegedly ordered the former governor's murder.
