• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A regional trial court in Manila court has granted the bail petition filed by former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in one of his murder cases.
The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 recommended bail of P120,000 for his temporary liberty.
Negros Oriental 3rd district Representative Janice Degamo, the widow of the slain Governor Roel Degamo, however, said that Teves, who was among those tagged in the murder of her husband, will remain in jail as he still has other pending cases.
“I can’t help but pray to God to give wisdom to the judge hearing our case,” Degamo posted on her Facebook account.
While they still have pending bail petitions in two other cases, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of the detained solon, said “this is a manifestation that the cases against Mr. Teves are weak, since they are just politically motivated.”
Degamo said the bail was granted on a murder case that happened in 2019.
In March 4, 2023, a group of armed men stormed the Degamo’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, killing the governor and 10 others.
Degamo said that bail being granted to Teves broke her heart.
How can someone with such a history be given another chance, while those of us left behind, are still trying to heal? she asked.
Degamo said she will pray that the court will be guided by wisdom – true, deep wisdom – in making decisions that affect lives forever.
“I pray that the judge involved in this case will be gifted with the kind of life experience that brings empathy,” she added.
Teves Jr. faces a separate murder case for the deaths of Gov. Roel Degamo and 10 others,
“We are still hoping – for truth, for justice, and for peace,” the widow of Degamo said.*
