Bato backtracks on virtual appearance for Teves

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa withdrew his earlier approval to have Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. appear virtually before a Monday Senate committee hearing on the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

In Maki Pulido's Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report, dela Rosa said that the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee, which he chairs, would instead decide on Teves' possible virtual testimony after senators and Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo expressed their dismay over such an appearance.

Mayor Degamo is the widow of Gov. Roel Degamo.

"Ipunin ko muna panig ng ating mga kasamahan, then we will come up with a collective decision as a committee," said dela Rosa.

(I first need to gather the views of my colleagues, then we will come up with a collective decision as a committee.)

Meanwhile, Teves' lawyer Ferdinand Topacio called the withdrawal unfair, as a committee hearing held without his client's testimony would be one-sided.

"Ito naman ay isang hearing in aid of legislation, so both sides must be heard. Otherwise it’s not going to be a hearing anymore," argued Topacio

(This is a hearing in aid of legislation, so both sides must be heard. Otherwise, it’s not going to be a hearing anymore.)

Teves had said that he was unable to return to the country due to serious threats against his life.

"This is gintong pagkakataon sapagkat marami pong... dahil maraming gustong sagutin si Congressman Teves," said Topacio.

(This is a golden opportunity because Congressman Teves would like to respond to a lot of matters.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News