Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, who is set to defend discharged Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, lambasted the Marcos administration over Teves’ “kidnapping,” claiming it is merely seeking out “trophies” to divert public attention from its failures.
“Kaya po natalo sa eleksyon itong administrasyon, at napakababa nga ng approval rating ni Pangulong Marcos. Kinakailangan po nila ng mga trophy,” the lawyer told reporters.
“Unang-una, ito nga pong si Congressman Teves na ibibida nila na, ‘Napabalik namin,’ bagamat kwestyunable po ang paraan ng pagkabalik,” he explained.
Topacio described Teves’ deportation as a “kidnapping,” and claimed Filipinos were repulsed by the current administration’s conduct.
“Mukhang tuwang-tuwa itong administrasyon na ito na sila ay nangi-ngidnap, namu-muwersa na dalhin kung saan-saan ang mga tao … Baka hindi nila alam, naiinis ang taumbayan sa ginagawa nila kaya’t below sea level na ang kanilang approval rating ngayon,” he said.
Teves’ lawyer speculated that former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque may soon face a similar fate, suggesting the government may endeavor to use such moves to obscure its shortcomings.
He cited high self-rated hunger and poverty rates, and criticized costly, ill-conceived infrastructure projects, such as the San Juanico Bridge and EDSA rehabilitation.
Although Teves has been in Timor-Leste for over two years, Topacio said his defense team has not stopped preparing for his eventual return.
“Narito na po kami upang saluhin po siya at bigyan siya ng the best defense,” he said.
Teves’ flight touched down at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay, at 11:18 p.m. He is currently under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
