Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday said the House Ethics and Privileges Committee may be forced to reconvene and consider another possible disciplinary action against Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. for his continued absence in Congress.

Romualdez raised this possibility should Teves continue to defy the House’s return to work order after the lapse of the 60-day period of his suspension on June 7.

“This is our recourse in order to preserve the dignity, integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives,” Romualdez said in a statement.

This development comes after it was reported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Timor-Leste has denied Teves’ request for political asylum and gave the Philippine lawmaker five days to leave their country.

Romualdez discouraged any attempt by Teves to seek refuge in another country and abandon his sworn duty to serve as a member of the House of Representatives.

“We, in the House of Representatives, view with great concern reports from the DOJ (Department of Justice) and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) that Rep. Arnie Teves has applied for political asylum in Timor Leste,” he said.

“Rather than evade investigation by Philippine law enforcement agencies, Cong. Arnie should return home immediately and face the accusation against him,” he added.

Romualdez assured Teves that the chamber will secure his personal safety upon his return to the Philippines.

The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges had earlier recommended the suspension of Teves for failing to return to the country and report for work despite the expiration of his travel authority since March 9.

In March, the House unanimously approved with 292 affirmative votes the recommendations made by the panel.

Teves was implicated in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and eight others on March 4.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said the government has taken “concrete steps” to designate Teves as a terrorist under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The DFA confirmed that Teves is currently in Dili, Timor-Leste where he submitted his application for political asylum.

Romualdez is temporarily acting as the legislative caretaker of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental given Teves’ 60-day suspension. (PNA)

Photo credit: House of Representatives Official Website