Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8) — Embattled lawmaker Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. on Thursday denied the claim of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla that his helicopter was used to transport the gunmen behind the murder of Gov. Roel Degamo.
\”Paano magkasya ang anim na tao – limang pasareho, plus isang piloto – sa isang helicopter na five-seater na ang modelo ay Bell 505? This is my sincere request to the media, ask him straight. Dapat kaya niya ito sagutin,\” said Teves in a media forum.
[Translation: How would it be possible for six people – five passengers and a pilot – to fit inside a five-seater helicopter like the Bell 505? This is my sincere request to the media, ask him straight. He should be able to answer this.]
Remulla earlier said the chopper was found in a hangar linked to Teves in Dumaguete City.
Previously, Remulla said that Teves’ former aide Marvin Miranda used the helicopter with the markings “Teves Cares” to leave Negros Oriental.
The Justice chief said it was also the same chopper that transported the gunmen, but its markings were removed.
The DOJ requested the Philippine National Police to transport the chopper to Cebu for safekeeping.
\”If you do not answer that question, Secretary Remulla, there will be so many implications. It’s either umiiwas ka, hindi mo alam, wala kang alam, or you are outright lying,\” Teves dared Remulla.
[Translation: If you do not answer that question, Secretary Remulla, there will be so many implications. It’s either you are avoiding it, you really don’t have knowledge about it, or you are outright lying.]
Moreover, Teves also said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should assess his Cabinet, noting that Remulla must be fired if his claims against him are proven wrong.
\”Ang request ko kay Bongbong Marcos ay tignan niya yung mga tauhan niya. Ngayon ang panahon na i-assess ni BBM ang integredad ng tao niya,\” he said. \”Kung hindi nasagot ni Boying Remulla ang aking mga tanong, sa tingin ko ay dapat sibakin na siya ni BBM.\”
[Translation: My request to Bongbong Marcos is to check on his people. This is the right time for BBM to assess the integrity of his people. If Boying Remulla will not be able to answer my question, he should be fired by BBM.]
Earlier, Teves also dared Remulla to resign if his claim that the suspended lawmaker applied for citizenship in Timor-Leste is proven false.
However, the Justice secretary on Thursday said he doesn’t have to prove anything, and that it is Teves who should show he can face the allegations against him.
“Face the music. May mga subpoena siya, bakit di siya umuwi?” Remulla said. “Pinapatawag po siya ng mga alagad ng batas upang magpaliwanag sa mga krimen na ibinibintang sa kanya sa pagkamatay ng maraming tao. Ito po ang sagutin niya.”
[Translation: Face the music. Subpoenas have been issued, why won’t he come home? Authorities are calling on him to answer the accusations that he is involved in the murder of several people. He should answer that.]
Teves is currently abroad, but he did not disclose his exact location. He said that he will only return to the Philippines if there is \”a semblance of fairness.\”
