MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is urging Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. just to go home and stop the drama in reaction to the lawmaker’s latest social media video post.
Teves had been out of the country for medical reasons when the brutal attack against Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo happened on March 4.
The authority to travel granted to Teves by the House of Representatives expired on March 9, but he reportedly has not returned to the Philippines yet.
In his latest Facebook video post, Teves again denied involvement in the killing of Degamo. He also expressed fear for his safety if he returned to the country.
The lawmaker claimed that there was a conspiracy to pin him to the slaying of Degamo and that among the alleged conspirators was someone from Malacañang “but not the President.” He also mentioned that people supposedly want to monopolize e-sabong operations in the country.
But Remulla said Teves should just come home and give his side.
“He is a lot of drama…He should go home. Tama na ang arte. Masyado s’yang maarte (Stop the drama. He is too dramatic),” Remulla told reporters.
Remulla, a former colleague of Teves at the House of Representatives, said he received a text message from the lawmaker. But he said he opted not to respond.
“Hindi ako sumasagot kasi iba ito mag-isip. Umuwi na lang s’ya (I am not responding because he thinks differently. He should just go home). Let us talk through official channels,” Remulla said.
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