Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has asked for a two-month leave from legistative duties in the House of Representatives, citing “very grave threat” to his life and that of his family.
He also appealed to Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla to keep an open mind and give him “a fair trial” as he lamented having already been judged guilty by public perception.
“The undersigned, Representative of the Third District of Negros Oriental, humbly plea and request that he be granted a two-month leave of absence due to very grave security threat to his life and his family, to be reckoned from March 9, 2023,” Teves said in a letter sent to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“Please also help me reach out to our former colleague Sec Boying to please be open-minded and give me a fair trial. Ngayon pa lang guilty na ako sa public perception due to the interviews at hindi ako nagsasalita,” he said.
There was no response yet to his request.
“I’ve already been judged publicly despite the absence of legal charges against me. I have already been persecuted by some authorities through planting of evidences in my house and other properties. My people are unlawfully arrested and unjustly charged,” Teves said.
Teves also confirmed having been advised by Romualdez to return to the Philippines.
“I said thank you but I’m sorry because it’s hard for me to trust the authorities who might be assigned to guard me as the ones who planted evidences were also government authorities. I’m not away because of guilt but I’m away for safety,” he said.
“I have intel that some people want me killed or at least jailed for whatever benefit it may serve them best,” Teves added.
The House of Representatives earlier cleared him for travel to the United States from Feb. 28 to March 9.
His name surfaced after the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo on March 4.
He was also charged for three murders in 2019, including the killing of Negros Oriental Board Member Miguel Dungog.
Teves’ brother, Pryde, was unseated by Degamo for the gubernatorial post.