NBI: All rights of Arnie Teves respected under custody

All constitutional rights of former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves are being fully respected under custodial rules, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago on Friday assured the public.

In a press briefing, Santiago stressed that Teves, now under Philippine custody after his deportation from Timor-Leste on Thursday, is receiving fair treatment.

Santiago said, “We are observing the custodial rule.”

“In our case, the totality of the sentence cannot exceed 40 years. That’s the sentence limitation. There is no death penalty here.”

He addressed public concerns that Teves could be subjected to degrading treatment or torture.

“We absolutely will not allow any human degrading treatment. We are affording him all his rights,” the NBI chief said.

He shared that Teves’ legal counsel and even family members, including his mother, have been allowed access.

“We are giving Congressman Teves all his rights. There’s no forced evidence. We anticipated all of this,” Santiago added.

Santiago also underlined that the NBI is committed to fair and public trials as guaranteed under the Philippine justice system.

“This is criminal prosecution, not political,” he emphasized.

Santiago explained that Teves was formally handed over by Timor-Leste immigration authorities to Philippine officials after securing all necessary clearances and signatures.

“You will see that he was transferred properly, under the authority of the immigration, and turned over into our possession,” Santiago said.

Further, Santiago said they observed all the necessary rules and protocols when Teves was turned over to the custody of Philippine authorities.