Ferdinand Martin Romualdez
(File photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. that they are fully aware of his rights, but his refusal to report physically to work prompted a panel to already come up with a decision about his continued absence.
Romualdez, in a statement on Tuesday, reiterated that he had asked the lawmaker several times to come home. His remark came after the House committee on ethics and privileges concluded its meetings and decided on Teves’ case.
Teves remained absent from the House of Representatives despite an expired travel authority. He was on a medical trip and his travel authority issued by the House expired on March 9.
Romualdez also noted that he previously assured Teves that the House would exert “all possible means” to secure him. Teves’ reason why he has not returned from his United States medical trip was a fear for his safety.
“Kinikilala at nirerespeto po natin ang lahat ng karapatan ni Cong. Arnie bilang House Member. Kaya naman binigyan natin siya ng pagkakataon para umuwi at linawin ang lahat ng isyung kinakaharap niya ngayon,” the Speaker said.
“I have, time and again, asked Cong Arnie to come home after the expiration of his travel authority last March 9. The last time we spoke over the phone, I personally relayed my instruction for him to return to the country at once. I assured him that the Speaker and the House of Representatives will exert all possible means to secure his personal safety as soon as he lands back home,” he added.
READ: Ethics panel to make Teves explain absence from House despite expired travel authority
Romualdez, on the other hand, thanked the House committee on ethics and privileges chair and COOP-NATCCO party-list Rep. Felimon Espares for acting quickly on the issue.
“I commend the Chairman and the committee members for acting expeditiously on the case, in consonance with the Committee’s mandate and in compliance with the Rules of the House to punish its Members for disorderly behavior,” he said.
“The decision on Cong Arnie’s case now lies at the hands of his fellow House Members, voting as an institution. I was informed that the Ethics Committee is ready to submit its report and recommendation for plenary action. Rest assured that the House of Representatives will render its decision on this case observing due process and fully cognizant of Cong Arnie’s rights, but with the best interest of the nation in mind,” he added.
READ: Teves’ lawyer says no order for solon to come home: We can attend hearing online
Romualdez had often urged Teves to return home and attend to his House duties. Romualdez first asked the lawmaker to return home last March 10, after a Special Investigation Task Group pointed to Teves as the mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.
Earlier, Espares said in a briefing with reporters on Tuesday that they have reached a unanimous decision on Teves’ issue. However, they refrained from divulging what the decision was until it reaches the plenary.
READ: House ethics reaches decision on Teves’ absence, to divulge it in plenary
Espares said the panel’s discretion not to reveal the decision is in line with committee rules.
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