Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) — Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s legal counsel said there is a need to corroborate the testimony against the lawmaker over three killings that happened in Negros Oriental in 2019.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio told CNN Philippines they have received information that witness Gemuel Hobro allegedly has pending criminal cases against him.
\”Isa lamang po ang testigo rito, ‘yang si Hobro…Hindi pwede uncorroborated ang mga testimonya, alam po ng lahat ng criminal defense lawyers ‘yan [Hobro is the only witness here…Testimonies should be corroborated, criminal defense lawyers know that],\” he said in an interview.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said murder charges will be filed against Teves in connection with the 2019 murders.
Besides Teves, six other individuals linked to him were included in the complaint, including Hobro whom the government said confessed to the crimes.
Topacio said they will take legal action after they receive a copy of the resolution when the murder charges are filed.
\”We will wait and see whether the court will find probable cause to issue a warrant and to hold Representative Teves for a hearing on this matter. Pagka dumating na po sa step na ‘yon ay tsaka po kami gagawa ng aming kilos na legal [Once we reach that step, we will take legal action],\” he said.
He also maintained that the charges against Teves have been fabricated, saying the lawmaker had been prejudged by Remulla.
When asked if Teves will soon return to the country to face the issues and charges thrown at him, his lawyer said the congressman will only do so once he feels there are no more threats against him.
\”Alam niyo po lately may mga aali-aligid na naman na mga sasakyan doon sa kanyang mga ari-arian sa Bayawan. Labas-pasok na po ang mga armadong tao doon sa kanyang farm, siguro magtatanim na naman ng ebidensya. And with these latest developments – na siya ay dinesignate na isang terorista daw, pagkatapos ifa-file mo ito – ano, nasaan ang fairness? So bakit pa uuwi?\” Topacio said.
