THE Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 15 threw out the murder case filed against former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. and two others, in connection with the killing of a Negros Oriental board member in 2019.
Apart from Teves, also acquitted were Richard Cuadra and Rolando Pinili. The court said the prosecution failed to establish prima facie evidence against the suspects.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said the case against his client Teves is nothing but pure harassment.
“It also shows how the Department of Justice has been weaponized for the purpose of vexing the critics of government. We are fortunate, however, to have found a fair and impartial tribunal that has proven itself truly independent and impervious to political pressures,” said Topacio.
Saying Teves has to face many more battles in his quest for truth and justice, Topacio said “There are many more battles left to fight for truth and justice. In this, we shall never waver until the last of these groundless suits are dismissed. For indeed, the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”
Teves is facing another murder case in connection with the shooting death of the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in 2023.
The case resulted in Teves’ expulsion from the House of Representatives, even as he refused to come back to the country to face his cases.
