The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 on Monday entered a not guilty plea on behalf of expelled Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. in one of his murder cases.
Teves appeared via video conferencing, assisted by his legal counsels, but did not enter a plea during the arraignment. Consequently, the court entered the “not guilty” plea on his behalf, as is standard procedure under the Rules of Court when an accused refuses or is unable to plead. Teves also invoked his right to remain silent during the proceedings.
The initial trial for the case is set for 29 July and will also be held via video conferencing. Teves’ legal team is expected to file a petition for bail, according to the court.
Last week, Teves similarly did not enter a plea during his arraignment for terrorism charges at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where his lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, confirmed the court also entered a “not guilty” plea for his client.
To recall, Teves is accused of being the mastermind behind the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo in March 2023, along with nine others.