EDITORIAL - Not yet justice

You might have already heard about the latest development in the murder case of Negros Governor Roel Degamo and several others. The long arm of the law has caught up with expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr.

The Department of Justice said last night that Teves was arrested in Timor Leste by the Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police in the capital Dili at 4 p.m. while he was playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar.

Now he is being incarcerated waiting for extradition to the Philippines to face the charges against him, in particular the murder of Degamo and several others March last year in what was one of the most brazen crimes committed against a Philippine politician.

Many will say this is justice. But, no, this isn’t justice yet.

It’s not justice until the court sees the evidence, hears his arguments, declares Teves guilty, and then sentences him.

It is even justice if the court looks at his evidence, finds it sufficient, and declares Teves innocent of the crime. If this is the case then that means Teves gets to clear his name, which has been much maligned even long before charges were filed against him.

Because even right now we are in no position to say that he is truly guilty. While flight may indeed be a sign of guilt, we cannot say that Teves isn’t facing threats to his life here, which he claims as the reason why he cannot come home.

But what is more important now is that this case can move forward toward a guilty verdict or otherwise. The people of Negros Oriental who lost a governor, and the rest country who had to deal with a grave injustice, or those scared by similar threats against people in authority, have been waiting for a long time to see the wheels of justice move in this multiple murder case.

It does not end here. In fact, this is only the beginning.