The House of Representatives by a unanimous vote suspended embattled Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (Neg. Or., 3rd District) for 60-days for his continued absence despite an expired travel authority, on Wednesday, March 22.
All 292 representatives present voted to adopt the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges’ findings that the continued defiance by Teves of the orders to return to the country and perform his duties “constitute disorderly behavior affecting the dignity, integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives, which warrant disciplinary action,” the committee report read.
“My only advice to Cong. Teves is as time goes by, your situation will become harder. If you come home earlier, then there will be more options for you,” President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.
Teves, who has been linked to the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others, in a video message posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday said he was not hiding but could not return to the country because of a threat on his life.
SCRIPTED PLOT
He claimed that there was a scripted plot to link him to the murder of Degamo, which he did not commit.
“Don’t make a movie out of real life,” he said, with him as the sacrificial lamb.
The authorities accused him of being the mastermind and then created the evidence to back that theory, he said.
He claimed that firearms and grenades were also planted in his properties.
The president is not part of the plot but there are people using his name for their own personal business interest, including e-sabong, and for political gains, Teves claimed.
Teves called on the authorities to be fair and investigate all angles that led to the killing of Degamo. The lawmaker claimed that he and the Degamo family are the victims of the script.
MARCOS CALL
Marcos on Wednesday reiterated his call for Teves to come home and face the criminal cases against him, reassuring him that his administration is willing to provide security for him.
Teves is rich and has a private jet, he can land it wherever he wants, Marcos said.
The lawmaker can land his plane at an Air Force base that can be surrounded by soldiers so no one can go near him to guarantee his security, the president said.
The President also dismissed Teves’ allegation that there is a threat on his life, saying such claim has not been reported by the intelligence community.
The sooner Teves will come home and face the criminal raps, the better for him as he would have more available options for his defense, Marcos said.
If Teves comes back too late, then the government would be forced to move without any discussions with him, the president said.
Teves, in another video message in response to the president’s call, asked if he could speak to him to explain his side.*