MANILA (UPDATED) — The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges said Wednesday it turned down Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo's request for the chamber to expel suspended lawmaker Arnolfo Teves, Jr., who is being linked to the death of her husband Governor Roel Degamo.

• Degamo widow lauds Timor-Leste's rejection of Teves' asylum bid

Committee officials told the media that the complaint did not satisfy their requirements, and that its chairperson had written to the mayor informing her of their decision.

"Pursuant to our rules, 'yung letter niya po kasi is hindi po under oath, that's why the committee treated it as not filed," said Ako Bicol Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, vice chairperson of the panel.

"The complaint [was] not able to qualify or pass on its requirement in form and in content. Unang-una, it is not a sworn complaint," COOP NATCCO party-list Rep. Felimon Espares said.

The committee will meet again next week after the lapse of Teves' 60-day suspension.

Espares said expelling Teves from the House of Representatives remains an option nonetheless.

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In an interview with ABS-CBN TeleRadyo on Wednesday, Mayor Janice said they're eyeing Rep. Teves' supposed involvement in gambling as "another avenue to explore" for his expulsion from the chamber.

But she said that they are awaiting developments in the House of Representatives as Teves' suspension expires.

"Talaga bang ie-expel siya o depende rin siguro kung ano ang gagawin ng Congress? And maybe we will also do our thing after we get to see what their move is after ng kaniyang... suspension," Janice said.

On Wednesday, Teves denied claims of his impending return to the Philippines, calling it "fake news."

The lawmaker was last known to be in Timor-Leste, where his application for asylum was denied.

• 'Fake news': Teves denies impending return to Philippines
• Timor-Leste denies Teves' asylum request: DFA