Teves rushed to hospital for stomach pains

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio early Tuesday morning disclosed that former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. was rushed to the hospital Tuesday morning after reportedly suffering from severe stomach pains.

In a brief statement, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio confirmed that Teves had been complaining of intense abdominal pain since midnight but only received medical attention around 5 a.m.

“He was transported to the hospital an hour ago,” Topacio said in a message sent at around 8 a.m.

Initial medical aid by in-house personnel reportedly “proved unavailing,” the lawyer added, prompting Teves to plead for hospital treatment.

"Our client was buckling over due to pain, and according to him, he was practically on his knees, requesting to be brought to a hospital for treatment," Topacio said, claiming the request was initially denied by jail authorities due to protocol.

Topacio declined to disclose the name of the hospital citing security reasons but confirmed Teves is now receiving emergency care. “Pain has somewhat subsided due to painkillers but still quite high. Further tests are needed to determine the cause,” he added.

Teves, who is facing multiple murder and terrorism-related charges, is detained at a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-managed high-security jail in Taguig City.

It remains unclear if his hospitalization will affect ongoing legal proceedings.