Suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves is not invited to the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said on Monday, July 11.
In an interview with the reporters, Velasco said the 60-day suspension order imposed against Teves is still in effect.
"[T]hat [suspension order] will expire on July 30. Wala pa siyang entitlement as a regular member. So, unfortunately, we will not send him an invitation because he is still suspended," he added.
House Sec. Gen. Reginald Velasco kinumpirma na hindi imbitado sa ikalawang SONA ni PBBM si Cong. Arnulfo Teves @dzrhnews
— milky rigonan đŸ’‹ (@milkyrigonan) July 10, 2023
The House Secretary General said the embattled Negros Oriental lawmaker is likewise banned from attending the SONA via Zoom or video teleconferencing.
"Kasi kapag suspended ka, you have no access to the plenary as well as committee meetings. 'Yun ang House rules natin. We have to live with that," Velasco said.
But he said that other House members are allowed to attend the SONA live as they retained the hybrid system.
Last week, Teves told the media that he wants to virtually attend Marcos' 2nd SONA which is slated on Jul 24.
He also said that he want to fulfill his duty as a Congressman through video teleconferencing but was deprived to do so.
Teves, who is facing murder charges for his alleged involvement in the brazen killing of the former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has been staying abroad for almost five months now.
He was first suspended in March for 60 days due to his prolonged absence from his duty in the chamber.
In June, the suspension order was expanded to another 60 days for violating the House rules and for his disorderly behavior.
