‘Cancellation of Teves passport a victory for justice’

MANILA, Philippines — A court ruling, which ordered the cancellation of the passport of expelled Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., is a ”victory for justice,” according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos.

Abalos welcomed the court decision, saying it shows that the judicial system in the country is working.

”No one can escape justice,” he told reporters.

Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 Judge Merianthe Pacita Zuraek issued the order on Thursday.

Teves was tagged in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo last year.

The court said the prosecution had established that Teves, who is also facing charges of multiple murder in connection with a series of killings in 2019, is a “fugitive from justice.”

It noted that an arrest warrant for Teves was issued in September 2023, adding that he was designated as a terrrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

“Teves Jr. in utter disrespect of the court and willful disregard of the law, refuses to yield,” the court said. ”By his refusal to come back to face his cases and his consistent flight mode, he deliberately continues to frustrate the ends of justice.”

The camp of Teves said it would exhaust all legal remedies to reverse the court ruling.