Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 2) — The designation of embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves as a terrorist was an act of desperation by the government, his lawyer said on Wednesday.
“It’s easy to accuse, it’s easy to point fingers, but proving it is another thing. And that is why I think that they resorted to the Anti-Terrorism Act as an act of desperation,” Teves’ counsel Ferdinand Topacio told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
Resolution No. 43 by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) tagged Teves, his brother Pryde Henry, and 11 others as members of the “Teves Terrorist Group,” which was allegedly behind the killings done in Negros Oriental, including the murder of former Gov. Roel Degamo in March.
Topacio said authorities resorted to this \”because the public is already witnessing how the cases of the government are collapsing at the DOJ (Department of Justice)\” as suspects recant their statements.
He cited information from his sources indicating authorities were already convinced from the beginning that the congressman was behind the killings.
“I do not know of their motives, they have not told me, I have not asked out of discretion and respect. But what I know, factually, is that they are already decided on this course of action,” he added.
Teves has said he plans to challenge the ATC’s ruling.
Topacio said they are considering filing the appeal either at the Regional Trial Courts, the Court of Appeals, or the Supreme Court.
