Senate to give Teves chance to be heard – Bato

by CeCille suerte Felipe Philstar.com

MANILA — Suspended

Negros Oriental 3rd District

Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. will be given the chance to be heard if he attends the public hearing of the Senate committee on public order on his alleged involvement in high-profile murder cases in the province, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said on Monday, April 10.

Dela Rosa said Teves was invited as a resource speaker in the public hearing of his committee next week. He clarified that the hearing will not cover the criminal cases against Teves being handled by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Hopefully, Congressman Arnie Teves can join us… even via Zoom if he is still abroad,”

Dela Rosa said in an interview with Senate reporters online.

He said the public hearing will cover policy matters involving individuals having bodyguards and private armies as well as gun control.

“The legal aspect is well handled. The DILG and DOJ are on top of it,” Dela Rosa said, referring to the cases filed against the suspended congressman in connection with the March 4 killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and several others.

“The main focus of this investigation is more on policy matters. Let us look at having bodyguards, about having private armies, about gun control. All policy matters which could be touched and address policy gaps through legislation, then we can do that,” the senator said.

But he did not rule out gathering additional evidence in the course of the public hearing, which the prosecution might use to make the case against Teves airtight.

The senator said the public hearing might also touch on other related killings in Negros Oriental that were not properly investigated then as few or no witnesses had come forward for fear of reprisals from perpetrators of the killings.

When asked how he intended to prevent other politicians from using the committee hearing for their political advantage, Dela Rosa said that as an experienced and retired police investigator, he is capable of protecting the committee.

“But then again, since this is a public hearing, let us accommodate all those who want to testify. For all we know, justice will prevail in this hearing,” he added.

“Maybe some witnesses have long wanted to come out but are afraid to because they know the suspect as high and mighty and powerful. But now, he’s no longer powerful so they can come out in the open,” he said.

The House of Representatives approved the suspension of Teves after he refused to return to the country and report for work amid allegations of his involvement in high-profile murders, including Degamo’s.

The suspended congressman went on medical leave in the U.S. on Feb. 28, four days before the assassination of Degamo. He is believed to still be in the U.S. n

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Mahalagang Pagbabago para sa FY

2019-2020 AAP Simula ng 15-araw na pagbibigay for maritime security and domain awareness, as well as the employment concept of newly acquired equipment and weapon systems under its modernization program and application of newly developed doctrines "with the end-in-view of projecting a credible defense posture."

Variava stressed that this year's joint military activities will be the biggest ever which, she said, is "an indication of the growth of our alliance and how it continues to evolve to meet our shared goals."

Licudine emphasized the importance of the Balikatan to both forces.

"It builds interoperability, enhances capabilities, and demonstrates mutual defense of the Philippine sovereign territory," he said.

Exercise Balikatan, to this day, remains one of the best training opportunities to improve both countries' military arms. In this historic event, the CSAFP urged the participants to embody professionalism, excellence, and the spirit of camaraderie.

Present in the opening ceremony were U.S. Chargé d'affaires Heather Variava, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson; AFP Chief of Staff General Andres C Centino; U.S. Exercise Director Representative Major General Eric Austin of the U.S. Marine Corps; and Philippine Exercise Director Major General Marvin Licudine of the Philippine Army.

In his remarks, General Centino said for the AFP in particular, this year's Balikatan exercise is "most timely" as the Philippine military fast-tracks the enhancement of its capabilities

On the 38th iteration of the Balikatan, the participating forces will enhance their joint and combined capabilities in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire exercise, urban operations, aviation operations, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Major General Austin said Balikatan signifies a more robust security relationship between the Philippines and the U.S., which are longtime allies.

"Balikatan is an important opportunity to train shoulderto-shoulder and build trust and confidence that enable our forces to respond to crises and contingencies as a team," shared.

Meanwhile, Major General

"I am confident that both our Armed Forces shall reap invaluable benefits from this Balikatan Exercise as we continue to pursue our shared goals of regional peace, security, and stability," Centino said.

The opening salvo of the Balikatan was held in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on Monday, April 10 as Filipino and American soldiers trained side by side in knock-out bunker and room clearing operations.

At the same time, partner nation Australia will also participate in some events, and officials from Japan are expected to observe some. Furthermore, different assets and weapon systems will be utilized for various activities. n