Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — Suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves challenged authorities to present solid evidence in court instead of going to the media about his supposed involvement in the murder of Gov. Roel Degamo.
“Bakit ako tina-trial by publicity? Kung malakas yung kaso nila, kasuhan n’yo ko sa korte,” the congressman told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Monday.
[Translation: Why is there trial by publicity? If they have a strong case, file the case against me before the court.]
Teves, who has yet to return to the country after flying to the United States late-February for medical purposes, was tagged as one of the masterminds in the assassination of Degamo. He has denied involvement in the killing.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said that the embattled congressman appears to be the main orchestrator and “executive producer” behind the murder.
Meanwhile, arrested suspect Marvin Miranda, who was an army reservist, was also tagged as a mastermind and “casting director” in the case, Remulla noted.
Authorities said the 11 suspected assassins under custody claimed that Miranda received instructions from someone they know as “boss idol,” “big boss,” and “kalbo,” referring to Teves.
Teves admitted that Miranda was his former bodyguard, but the latter left his post four to five years ago. The congressman also said he has never heard from him or contacted him since then.
“Ang dali magfile, ang dali magturo, but ang sa akin lang lagyan n’yo ng proper evidence,” he said.
[Translation: It’s very easy to file a case, to point fingers, but for me they should include proper evidence.]
“Katulad nung mga nagsalita sa Senado puro dakdak, wala namang ebidensya. Dapat there is evidence, hindi pwedeng hearsay lang lahat,” he added referring to the ongoing Senate probe on Degamo’s death.
[Translation: Like those who spoke at the Senate hearing, they are all talk, they don’t have evidence. There should be evidence, it should not be hearsay.]
Teves said he does not expect to receive a fair trial as authorities have already concluded he is guilty even before the investigation is completed.
Early this month, Remulla said the case on the assassination of Degamo is closed following the arrest of the 11 suspects and Miranda.
Aside from Degamo’s murder, the Senate is also looking into other killings in Negros Oriental, which are being linked to Teves as well.
Last week, Remulla said the DOJ has started its preliminary steps in tagging Teves as a terrorist as the latter continues to refuse to return to the Philippines.
