Expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is set to be discharged from the Philippine General Hospital after undergoing an appendectomy, his legal counsel confirmed on Tuesday, July 1.
In an interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said Teves will be transferred back to the Annex 2 in his cell at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, despite still experiencing abdominal pain.
“Ilalabas na po siya sa ospital. Actually hindi pa po siya fully recovered. Sumusumpong pa po nang konti ang sakit kaya lang sabi niya, hayaan na at i-discharge na para wala nang masabi ang mga tsismoso't tsismosa,” Topacio said.
The lawyer noted that although the former congressman remains in discomfort, doctors have cleared him for discharge.
Topacio emphasized that arrangements were made to ensure medical monitoring continues even after Teves returns to BJMP.
“Wala pong halos facilities doon [sa BJMP] pero ayaw na nating may isipin pa ang ibang mga tao. At least ngayon, kaya na pong tiisin ang pain. Hindi na ganun kadalas ang pagsumpong ng sakit,” he said.
Teves legal team filed a motion to defer the hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 last week due to his appendectomy.
Because of his condition, Teves missed his arraignment on Monday, June 30. The court has since rescheduled the proceedings to July 14 at 8:30 PM and allowed him to appear via video teleconferencing, said Topacio in a statement to the reporters on Sunday, June 29.
“Meron po sapagkat noong Monday napostpone dahil nasa ospital pa siya. May schedule na ang trial. Sa ngayon po, hihiling na lang po kami sa Korte na video teleconferencing na lang para hindi na rin po abala sa ating pamahalaan,” Topacio said.
Teves is set to face multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms and explosives, murder, and terrorism financing.
One of the most high-profile accusations against him is his alleged role as the mastermind in the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Teves' legal counsel also criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ), reiterating claims of 'political persecution' against his client.
“Tungkol po doon sa Degamo maliit lang po ay recount na naman po ang lahat ng mga testigo even during the preliminary investigation at hindi nga po namin malaman na fair contest. Dapat yan dinismiss na po…kaya lang syempre siya po ay ginagawang subject of political persecution,” Topacio claimed.
“Wala po tayong maasahan dito sa ating Department of Justice. Bago ngayon gusto pang mag-Ombudsman ni Secretary Remulla. Patay na tayong lahat diyan,” he concluded.
