Degamo's wife dismayed over Bato's decision to allow Teves to virtually attend Senate probe

Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, wife of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, expressed disappointment on Friday over the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee's decision to allow suspended Negros Oriental
Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. to virtually attend its upcoming hearing.

“[W]e were dismayed to find out that Congressman Arnulfo Teves was allowed to join the hearing through Zoom/teleconferencing. This decision has greatly affected the [victims] who strongly disagree with such an accommodation,” said Degamo in a letter addressed to committee chair Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Degamo finds the move unfair saying she and other alleged victims will be sacrificing their time, effort, money, and security while Teves will only attend online.

“Allowing some participants to attend through Zoom/teleconferencing undermines the value and importance of our presence in the hearing, and it is unfair to those who will be attending personally. Cong Teves is a fugitive. He should not be afforded such accommodation,” she went on.

Degamo appealed to the Senate panel to reconsider their decision.

Dela Rosa, for his part, said he will discuss it with the members of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee so they can come up with a decision before the hearing starts on Monday.

On Thursday, Dela Rosa disclosed that Teves’ camp had informed the Senate panel that the suspended solon will be attending the investigation virtually on Monday.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla last week said Teves appears to be the main mastermind in the killing of Degamo.

Teves, who is believed to be in Cambodia, has denied the accusations against him and appealed for fairness. —VAL, GMA Integrated News