The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs decided on Monday, April 17, not to allow the “virtual” presence of Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves (Neg. Or., 3rd District) before the committee’s inquiry into the assassination of late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who chairs the committee, cited legal issues about the panel’s jurisdiction over Teves, who is currently in an unknown location overseas.
“There may be legal issues that will arise as to the taking of oath as a basic requirement in taking testimonies of any resource person or witness. The whereabouts of Congressman Teves is not known or definite. Thus, jurisdiction as to his oath will be taken, maybe questioned legally,” Dela Rosa told the committee, as he presided over the inquiry.
He said the committee should have jurisdiction over Teves especially on instances where the committee will cite him in contempt or issue a subpoena.
“In this case, the activities that led to the killing on March 4 all are covered by the Anti Terrorism Law – the recruitment, the financing, the purchase of firearms, the distribution of firearms – everything that transpired has the hallmarks of terrorism in it,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said during the hearing.
“As a solution to the impasse here about the surrender of Cong. Teves, we are looking at designating him or proscribing him as a terrorist, to have him proscribed by the Court of Appeals or designated by the anti-terror council because of the acts that happened,” he said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said Teves can be allowed to attend the hearing virtually but should be within the jurisdiction of a Philippine consulate or embassy.
“I believe that our rules of procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation, require that witnesses to our proceedings be placed under oath or affirmation prior to giving their testimony. Is Rep. Teves abroad? In what embassy is he in? How is he going to take his oath as a witness?” Hontiveros said.
“Because if a potential witness is abroad, he has to be sworn at the embassy or consulate and give his testimony there,” she added.
The inquiry was launched in response to Senate Resolution 518 filed by Hontiveros seeking not only to look into the assassination of the late governor, but also other recent or attempted political assassinations in other parts of the country.*PNA with reports from Manila