EMBATTLED Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. may either be suspended, expelled or dropped from the rolls amid his continuous refusal to heed the call of the House leadership to return to the country as his travel authority has already expired.

House Committee on Ethics and Privileges chairman Coop Natcco Party-list Representative Felimon Espares said on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, they have acquired the panel’s jurisdiction to investigate Teves' expired travel authority.

Espares said they are giving Teves five days to explain his continued absence in the House of Representatives despite his expired travel authority.

“This is with regards to the leave of absence na hindi na na-approve. So the House needs to determine whether or not may violations ba. And of course, to protect the image of the House,” said Espares.

“Options dito of course we are on the administrative aspect to really recommend whatever disciplinary actions....Usually ganun naman. Suspension pero kung come to worse so the House according to our rule may expulsion at saka dropping from rolls," he added.

Speaker Martin Romualdez issued Teves’ travel authority covering the period of February 28 to March 9.

However, Romualdez said that Teves refused to come back home as he feared for his and his family's lives in light of his implication in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Teves has already denied involvement in Degamo's assassination, although he admitted that they were political rivals.

Romualdez, as well as the PNP, earlier assured Teves of their safety as they encouraged him to come back home and face the allegations against him.

Murder charges were also filed against Teves over the killings of three individuals in the province in 2019.

The police also conducted raids in his residence where alleged loose firearms were recovered. (SunStar Philippines)