Citing 'protest,' Teves again refuses to enter plea at Manila court

MANILA, Philippines — Expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. for the second time refused to enter a plea during his arraignment on several cases filed against him in a Manila Regional Trial Court.

Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, told reporters that the expelled lawmaker’s refusal to enter a plea was a form of protest against the manner in which he was extradited to the Philippines.

“We have advised him not to enter a plea as a form of protest over how he was extradited or repatriated by the Philippine government in collusion with the executive branch of the before-Lesney government,” Topacio said in an interview on Tuesday, June 10.

In a separate statement, Topacio said Teves invoked his right to remain silent instead of entering a plea, mirroring his actions during his illegal possession of firearms and explosives case at Manila RTC Branch 12.

According to the rules on criminal procedure, if an accused refuses or makes a conditional plea, the court automatically enters a plea of not guilty.

Pre-trial briefs. Topacio also said the judge did not proceed with the pre-trial after the arraignment and gave the lawyer of slain Gov. Roel Degamo’s widow until July 10 to submit their pre-trial briefs.

In a separate motion filed by Teves, he asked to remain detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Citing the conditions set by Timor-Leste during his repatriation, Teves argued that the Philippine government must detain him in internationally compliant facilities. He claimed the NBI detention facility in Muntinlupa meets international standards, particularly in ensuring his safety and security.

“In addition, the said detention building is not overcrowded and small in area; the population is easy to manage and monitor. These practically negate any physical risk to the accused in terms of rioting, gang fights or other eventualities where he may be put—accidentally or deliberately—in harm’s way,” Teves said.

In the same motion, Teves requested the court allow him to participate in all proceedings via videoconferencing from within Building 14. He cited safety and security concerns as well as the risks involved in transporting him to and from the jail and courtroom.

Murder and other charges. During Tuesday’s arraignment at Manila RTC Branch 51, Teves faced 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder. Included in these charges is the alleged masterminding of the killing of Gov. Degamo in 2023.

Teves also faces multiple charges related to killings in Negros Oriental, including:

• One case of murder at Manila RTC Branch 12
• One case of murder at Manila RTC Branch 15
• One case of murder at Bayawan RTC Branch 63
• Illegal possession of firearms and explosives at Manila RTC Branch 12
• Multiple cases under the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act at Quezon City RTC Branch 77