Manila court enters 'not guilty' plea for Teves in gun, explosives case
MANILA, Philippines — A Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) that handles two of the cases against expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. entered a not guilty plea for him on Thursday, June 5.
Teves appeared for arraignment at Manila RTC Branch 12 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
As Teves invoked his right to remain silent, the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, in accordance with the rules on criminal procedure, which mandate that if an accused refuses or makes a conditional plea, a plea of not guilty is entered.
Presided over by Judge Renato Enciso, the arraignment focused on accusations stemming from the 2023 discovery of high-powered weapons and ammunition within his family’s compound in Bayawan City.
After the not guilty plea, the case moves to the pre-trial stage, where both sides will formally identify and prepare their evidence for trial.
Teves is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation. His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, has filed a motion to consolidate all cases against Teves in one court to ensure clarity on his detention.
RELATED: NBI stops Teves’ jail transfer due to possible court confusion
Long-time fugitive. After evading authorities for two years, Teves was arrested by Timor-Leste officials on the evening of May 27 and deported to the Philippines on May 29.
In addition to the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charge, Teves faces a murder charge in the same court. Other cases are pending against him in connection with killings in Negros Oriental, including allegations that he masterminded the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo in 2023.
The other cases against Teves include:
- 10 counts of murder at Manila RTC Branch 51
- 13 counts of frustrated murder at Manila RTC Branch 51
- 4 counts of attempted murder at Manila RTC Branch 51
- 1 case of murder at Manila RTC Branch 15
- 1 case of murder at Bayawan RTC Branch 63
- Multiple cases under the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act at Quezon City RTC Branch 77
RELATED: After nearly 2 years in hiding, Teves insists innocence in Degamo slay
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