The scheduled arraignment of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been pushed back after the Manila Regional Trial Court said it has yet to secure jurisdiction over the former lawmaker.
Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Andres Manuel Jr., explained that Branch 15 of the Manila RTC could not move forward with the proceedings as it is still waiting for the National Bureau of Investigation to return the warrant of arrest issued against his client.
With this, the court ordered the suspension of the arraignment and set the next schedule for 26 June, giving the NBI 48 hours to comply with the order on the warrant.
Teves is facing multiple cases, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and 10 others in 2023.
Aside from these charges, Teves also faces cases involving illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The Anti-Terrorism Council previously designated him as a terrorist for his alleged involvement in killings and acts of harassment in the province.
When asked about Teves’ medical condition, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said, "I wouldn't know. I'm not competent to say. Hindi ko nasumpungan yung doctors niya yesterday. What I know from the nurse is that his post-operative wounds need care by way of changing the dressings regularly by a competent medical practitioner, he has to rest and most importantly, he has to be under sterile conditions to avoid complications such as secondary infections, etc."
As for the possibility of Teves being returned to detention, Topacio said, "We'll need to consult yung doctors po niya. I'm not qualified to give an opinion."