A warrant of arrest has yet to be issued to suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. despite the Anti-Terrorism Council or ATC labeling the congressman as a “terrorist.”
As such, he cannot be considered a fugitive from justice as of yet, Department of Justice spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said in a Malacañang press briefing Tuesday.
The House of Representatives, meanwhile, said it would only consider allowing Teves to join its sessions via videoconferencing if he would make such a request.
“(Teves) is not considered a fugitive, as this (declaration of him being a terrorist) is separate and distinct from a criminal action. It is only when you are issued a warrant of arrest that you become a fugitive or your status becomes a fugitive,” Clavano said.