LABUAN BAJO – Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez mentioned it is rather possible that the denial of the political asylum of suspended lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves could possibly be mentioned through the bilateral talks of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Timor Leste’s Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on Thursday.
“Very possible, very probable,” Romualdez instructed reporters when requested by reporters if the matter will likely be tackled by the 2 leaders.
Romualdez mentioned he has no thought if Marcos will ask the Timor Leste’s chief to “produce” Teves.
“I don’t know if he will ask to produce him because he was already in Timor Leste, we’re aware of that. With the denial, there is also a five-day period within which he should leave the country,” Romualdez mentioned.
He additionally mentioned the President didn’t impose any ultimatum on Teves as he desires the method to be adopted on this matter.
“Wala naman, he knows naman there’s processes and the President naman would like these processes and protocols be observed,” the House chief mentioned.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier introduced that Timor Leste denied Teves’ request for political asylum.
The embattled lawmaker has been tagged because the obvious mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and 9 others by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Romualdez urged Teves to only come residence and face the allegation in opposition to him.
“Pero, kung ako si Congressman Arnie Teves, umuwi ka na kasi alam na ng lahat na may mga alegasyon, harapin mo na lang,” Romualdez mentioned.
Earlier, Romualdez warned that his continued absence within the Lower House may lead to “additional sanctions.”
He discouraged the suspended lawmaker to hunt refuge in a foreign country and abandon his sworn obligation to function member of the House of Representatives.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
