Teves arraignment deferred

MANILA, Philippines —  Following his hospitalization, ousted Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s arraignment yesterday was postponed as the court has yet to secure jurisdiction over him, according to his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 15 is waiting for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to return the arrest warrant issued against Teves to move forward with the murder trial, Topacio said.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago doubted Topacio’s explanation and suggested that the court’s suspension of the arraignment could be due to logistical issues.

“It’s possible that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology failed to bring the accused to court for arraignment,” Santiago told The STAR.

“The warrant’s return is just to inform the court that Teves had been arrested. Jurisdiction is acquired through arraignment. If the accused is already in court, the judge should proceed with the arraignment. How can the arraignment be set if the accused has not yet been arrested or his whereabouts confirmed by the court?” Santiago added.

Teves remains confined at the Philippine General Hospital after undergoing appendectomy on Tuesday.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has assured the public that Teves will be brought back to the Metro Manila District Jail at Camp Bagong in Taguig after recovery.

“Whatever excuses he could come up with, he will not evade justice,” Remulla said.

Teves is facing murder charges over the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others in 2023. – Emmanuel Tupas