Former Negros Oriental Cong. Arnie Teves Back in PH from Timor-Leste
ARNIE TEVES – Following his deportation to the Philippines, the former Negros Oriental Congressman asked the court for swift legal proceedings on the charges against him.
Former Negros Oriental Cong. Teves was tagged as the principal suspect in the death of his fellow politician in the province, the late former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. However, Teves was already out of the country when his name was implicated in the slay of Degamo and nine (9) others last March 4, 2023.
Teves stayed in Timor-Leste for two (2) years. The Philippine government ran after him with the Department of Justice filing an extradition case in the pursuit to bring him back to the country and get him to face the charges filed against him.
Recently, countless Filipinos were shocked when the son of Arnie Teves shared on social media that his father was arrested in Timor-Leste. According to Axl Teves, the arrest of the former Negros Oriental Congressman at his house in Dili, Timor Leste was allegedly warrantless.
Axl Teves also said that there was allegedly no any document presented by the arresters. The former Negros Oriental Congressman was nabbed by the immigration officers.
Following the arrest, the Timor-Leste government decided to deport Arnie Teves to the Philippines. The foreign government cited his lack of travel Visa and a legal authorization to stay in the Southeast Asian country. The former Negros Oriental Congressman was also cited as an alleged security risk.
Teves boarded a Philippine Air Force plane in his return to the Philippines after two (2) years of stay in Timor-Leste. Recently, he faced the media together with his mother, Zenaida Teves, and his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio.
When asked how he feels now that he is back in the country, Arnie Teves admitted that he is sad that he will have to be behind the bars. He stressed that in the country, even if someone is not convicted, he/she may be detained in jail.
“Sa totoo lang, of course, malungkot ako dahil makukulong ako… Dito kasi makukulong ka kahit hindi pa ka pa convicted,” the former Negros Oriental Congressman said.
On the other side, Arnie Teves admitted that he is also glad as he finally got to see his mother again whom he has not seen for two (2) years. He shared that his father died last December and he was not able to go home.
“On the other hand, I’m also glad because I haven’t seen my mother for two (2) years. My father died last December hindi na ako nakauwi. It was quite painful. And also, at least, ma ano na rin, matapos na rin. Dahil kahit no’ng nandun ako, inisip ko, kung hindi man ako umuwi kailangan pa rin nitong matapos, eh,” he expressed.
Based on the report, during the interview, former Negros Oriental Cong. Arnie Teves claimed that his conscience is clear. According to him, he requests the Philippine court that the proceedings over the charges against him will be acted on swiftly.
“Ito lang sana ‘yung request ko ano, sa Korte, na sana mabilis ‘yung ano, mabilis ‘yung kaso. Dahil sa totoo lang kung tatrabahuhin talaga ‘yung kaso… Sandali lang naman ‘yun… I trust my lawyers very well. I know my conscience is clear. Sa akin, sana lang mabilis ‘yung proseso para matapos na. Matapos na siya,” Teves said.
Following the deportation of the former Negros Oriental Congressman, Pres. Bongbong Marcos stressed that it is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice.