Marcos assures Teves of fair trial

MANILA, Philippines — Former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing multiple murder charges, can be assured of fair proceedings once he returns to the Philippines, according to President Marcos.

“Teves said he fears for his life. We do not have such a report. Nobody is threatening his life,” the President added.

Murder charges have been filed against Teves over the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine other people last year and three other persons in 2019.

Teves, who claimed that there are threats to his life, was arrested at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili, East Timor last month. A Timorese court gave him at least 15 more days to remain in that country pending legal proceedings for his turnover to Philippine authorities.

The 15 days could still be extended depending on legal processings in East Timor, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio told “Storycon” on One News yesterday.

Topacio visited Teves in Dili from March 28 to 30. The lawyer said Teves “is in good spirits.”