Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday challenged the camp of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. to stop resorting to all sorts of delaying tactics, and instead just face the murder charges filed against him before the Philippine courts.
“Instead of dilly-dallying things, Teves should just face the court of law and answer the charges fair and square,” Remulla said.
Remulla also strongly advised lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, the legal counsel of Teves to act accordingly and avoid making baseless pronouncements, which malign the integrity of the Philippine justice system.
The DOJ chief made the statement in response to a circulating letter allegedly coming from Teves seeking the intervention of the United Nations, Amnesty International, other human rights groups and even Pope Francis claiming that he is being politically persecuted and fears for his life.
Remulla dismissed these allegations as mere ploys of the Teves camp to evade justice. He said the fugitive politician was trying to paint himself as a victim when the real victims were the ones who died by murder.
“Teves is a designated terrorist and fugitive from justice. He is also facing grave charges such as multiple murder and all of that is a reality Topacio and his client should face. Until then, we cannot recognize anything they say unless they present themselves in court,” Remulla stressed.
The DOJ reassured that the Philippine government has guaranteed Teves’ safety upon his return. He also urged both the expelled lawmaker and his legal team to provide concrete evidence his life was in danger.
“Prove us wrong that you are not merely employing tactics intended to delay or circumvent the Rule of Law by presenting ‘real’ and ‘existing’ proof that Teves’ life is in danger, otherwise, submit yourselves to Philippine jurisdiction,” Remulla said, addressing Topacio.
The DOJ chief also mentioned that the alleged recantations of witnesses do not necessarily weaken their case against Teves because the prosecution team was able to present other pieces of evidence to the courts.
“Recantations do not necessarily weaken a case where there are other pieces of evidence that support the original statement. More so, recantations are frowned upon in our justice system,” Remulla said.
Teves is being pursued by law enforcement authorities for his alleged involvement in the March 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, which left 10 people dead, including provincial governor Roel Degamo.