The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering transferring and consolidating the criminal cases filed against expelled congressman Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. to Metro Manila courts.
Teves faces multiple charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder, stemming from the killings of 10 individuals in March 2023, including Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. In addition, he has separate charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives and terrorism financing.
Following his deportation from Timor-Leste, Teves is now detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) facility within the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. The trial courts have been informed of his custody, and the NBI is awaiting court schedules for his arraignment.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said that Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon is assessing whether to transfer or consolidate Teves’ cases. Any transfer of criminal cases requires the approval of the Supreme Court.
Too, Clavano emphasized concerns about Teves’ security and noted that the DOJ might request either consolidation or permission for video conferencing proceedings. (Jeffrey Damicog)
