Teves to leave hospital after surgery, return to BJMP

Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is set to be discharged from the hospital and returned to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology custody, even though he has not yet fully recovered, his lawyer said Tuesday in a radio interview with DZRH.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel for Teves, said that his client continues to experience pain but has chosen to leave the hospital. “Actually, he’s not fully recovered. The pain still flares up, but he said to just discharge him so people will stop gossiping,” Topacio said in Filipino.

Teves will be brought back to Annex 2 of the BJMP, where doctors have instructed nurses to monitor his condition. If the pain worsens, he may be returned to the hospital. “At least now, the pain is manageable,” Topacio added, acknowledging that the BJMP lacks adequate medical facilities.

Topacio also confirmed that a trial schedule has been set and that they intend to request video teleconferencing for the proceedings. “This way, it won’t be a burden on the government,” he said.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12, which is handling Teves’ murder case, had earlier granted a motion to defer his arraignment and pre-trial, originally scheduled for Monday, 30 June. The hearing was rescheduled to 14 July at 8:30 AM via videoconference, due to his current medical condition.

Teves was earlier transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City following a recommendation for major surgery due to severe abdominal pain. Teves had initially been brought to a public hospital after symptoms worsened overnight on 16 June, but the necessary surgical equipment was not available.

Topacio said his client endured hours of pain before being transferred to a facility with the required capability for emergency surgery. The BJMP later confirmed the transfer was carried out in accordance with standard protocols for emergency medical cases.

Teves is also facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives before the same court.