Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. once again refused to enter a plea in one of the murder cases filed against him, prompting a Manila trial court on Tuesday to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf, in accordance with legal procedure.
The arraignment before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 15 concerns the 2019 killing of a provincial board member in Negros Oriental, a case previously dismissed during a preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Teves’ legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, explained that the case had already been set aside by the DOJ years ago and was only recently revived.
He described the development as a mere resuscitation of an already-dismissed complaint.
Topacio further clarified that Teves’ refusal to enter a plea stems from his ongoing protest over the manner of his return to the Philippines.
According to him, the former lawmaker continues to challenge the legality of his deportation from Timor-Leste, which he claims violated due process.
Teves is currently facing multiple murder charges, including those related to the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, a case that led to Teves’ expulsion from the House of Representatives.
He has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated and has expressed hope for a fair and speedy trial. (Diann Calucin)
