Teves wants hearings deferred

The legal team of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is seeking a postponement of all his scheduled court hearings, citing his ongoing recovery from an appendectomy.

Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said the former lawmaker’s condition has shown slight improvement following serious complications after his surgery.

“After almost four days of not being able to take anything orally, he may now feed himself by mouth with soft food,” Topacio said.

He said Teves’ pain has eased but is still persistent and he is “slowly regaining his strength” while remaining under round-the-clock monitoring and receiving intravenous medication, including painkillers and antibiotics.

Teves was earlier admitted to the Philippine General Hospital for stomach pains before undergoing an appendectomy.

Topacio said Teves experienced pain as high as “10/10” on the pain scale and was being nourished by intubation due to complications.

Teves is facing a multitude of charges, including 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and five counts of attempted murder before Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.

The charges stem from allegations he masterminded the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Teves’ legal team anticipates his continued recovery in the coming days, “barring any unforeseen medical events.”

“In the meantime, we are asking the courts to defer all previously scheduled hearings to dates starting two weeks henceforth,” Topacio said.