Detained former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. is now recovering after undergoing a successful emergency appendectomy early Wednesday at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), according to his lawyer Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.

“I am very happy to report that the operation on Rep. Arni Teves at the Philippine General Hospital was successful. He is now recuperating well,” Topacio said in a statement.

He expressed gratitude to UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee for expediting the hospital transfer and commended Dr. Marc Paul “Ancoy” Lopez and his surgical team for their swift action in addressing what he described as a potentially life-threatening condition.

However, Topacio strongly criticized the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and court authorities for what he called delays in medical response, despite Teves reportedly complaining of severe abdominal pain since Monday night.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call… If it took several hours for a high-profile prisoner such as Rep. Teves to be given medical attention, we shudder at how the BJMP will treat ordinary detainees,” Topacio said. 

Teves was brought to a government hospital around 6 AM Tuesday, where he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Surgery was performed at 2 AM Wednesday.

Topacio also criticized court rules that restrict detainees’ access to private hospitals, calling them “illogical and archaic”, and emphasized that Teves was denied the right to choose his own doctor.

He further condemned Manila RTC Branch 51, accusing it of ignoring Supreme Court directives on commitment orders, which he said added to delays in care. He also pushed back against those who dismissed Teves’ health complaints as “drama.”

Teves remains in custody as he faces multiple murder and terrorism charges related to the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, charges he continues to deny.