Expelled congressman Arnie Teves during a press briefing in Pasig City on January 12, 2023.INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Several co-accused of expelled Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others filed a petition for bail, said Prosecutor-General Richard Anthony Fadullon on Thursday.
According to Fadullon, among the suspects who filed their petitions were Marvin Miranda, the Palagiw sisters, as well as “several others.”
Article continues after this advertisementAlong with Teves, these individuals face 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder under the Revised Penalty Code.
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“We were informed yesterday that there were accused na magffifile ng petition for bail, and that is the reason why the hearing scheduled beginning next year will address ‘yung petition for bail noong accused,” Fadullon told reporters in a chance interview.
Article continues after this advertisement“Mauuna ‘yon then at the same time hinihear din natin ‘yung main na kaso (that will be tackled first then at the same time the main case),” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementAsked if the DOJ will then file a motion to block their petitions, Fadullon said they will instead present witnesses to the court to prove that “the evidence of guilt is strong.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Normally, the prosecutor does not file a written motion to block. What we do is we present witnesses to prove to the court that the evidence of guilt is strong, and therefore bail should not be granted,” said Fadullon.
“So ‘yung opposition will come in the form with us presenting witnesses. It will be up to the court to decide whether the witnesses presented are sufficient to deny the petition for bail,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementFadullon said the next hearing is scheduled early 2025.
Will Teves be back by then?
Meanwhile, when asked if there is a possibility of Teves being back by the next scheduled hearing, Fadullon. responded that it would still depend on the decision of courts in Timor Leste.
READ: Remulla seeks Timor-Leste’s continued cooperation in repatriating Teves
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“Let’s just wait for that and then we’ll find outfb777, if they decide in our favor, surely we’ll have him here by next year,” said Fadullon.
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