Topacio: Teves too weak, too bare to escape

Detained ex-Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. experienced “some post-operative complications” on Thursday night following his emergency appendectomy, prompting additional medical procedures, his legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio said Friday.

“The doctors are on top of the situation,” Topacio assured in a statement. “I spoke to one of his doctors and he will meet with his colleagues to assess the situation."

Topacio added that no definite date has been set for Teves’ discharge.

Teves, who is facing multiple murder and terrorism charges in connection with the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, remains confined at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). He was transferred there early Wednesday from another government facility after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Emergency surgery was performed at around 2 AM.

Meanwhile, Topacio pushed back against Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's statement that Teves would be returned to detention as soon as he recovers, dismissing any insinuation that his client might attempt to flee.

“Sec. Remulla need not worry. Our client has no intention of escaping,” Topacio said. “Aside from being innocent, he has a tube up his nose and down towards his stomach internally and is connected to three bottles of medication intravenously. He is also in pain and weakened. Hindi siya makakatakbo.”

“Besides,” Topacio added, “he is wearing a hospital gown with his butt showing. Why would anyone escape looking like that?”