The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday, Sept. 12, that it will file a motion to reconsider the Manila Regional Trial Court’s decision to grant bail to former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in one of his several murder cases.
The bail was approved by Judge Renato Enciso of RTC Branch 12 in connection with the 2019 killing of Lester Bato, a bodyguard of Basay mayoral candidate Cliff Cordova.
In a statement, the DOJ emphasized the gravity of the charges, describing them as “extremely serious allegations of violence and terroristic acts.”
It warned that Teves’ release would pose “a grave and imminent danger to the public.”
DOJ prosecutors vowed to strongly oppose the bail grant, asserting that the ruling “does not diminish, nor affect, the weight and strength of the other charges pending against Mr. Teves.”
Teves remains in custody as he faces additional charges before RTC Branch 51, including 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder related to the March 2023 Pamplona attack that killed Governor Roel Degamo and several others.
He was also charged with the 2019 murders of provincial board member Michael Dungog and alleged hitman Pacito Libron.
“The Department underscores that justice must prevail—not only for the victims and their families, but also for the rule of law and the safety of the Filipino people,” the DOJ said, reaffirming its commitment to exhaust all legal remedies and oppose unwarranted bail applications. (Jeffrey Damicog)
