House ethics panel eyes release of recommendation on Teves’ fate on May 29
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24) — The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics on Wednesday said possible sanctions against embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves may be released after its hearing on the matter on May 29.
“We will be meeting on Monday for us to deliberate on the possible actions and recommendations of the committee,” the panel's vice chairman Raul Angelo Bongalon told CNN Philippines' The Source. “The committee is set to submit the committee report after we have the committee meeting on Monday.”
The ethics panel met on Tuesday following the end of Teves’ 60-day suspension on May 22.
House lawmakers, on the recommendation of the same committee, earlier suspended Teves due to his continued absence from work after he flew to the United States late-February for medical purposes.
Citing threats to his life, the lawmaker has been refusing to return to the country after he was tagged in the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. He has denied involvement in Degamo's killing.
Teves’ camp has previously requested the House to let him attend the proceedings through videoconference, which was rejected by the lower chamber.
Bongalon said the only options left for the committee are another period of suspension, slapping of penalties, or expulsion.
