Daven Tamayo

Topacio questions Teves transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The lawyer of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. is raising legal concerns over his transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, following a commitment order issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51. Teves was transferred by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday evening, in compliance with the court order.However, his legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, claimed that the move violates established judicial protocols, given that another court had issued an earlier order.“Naglabas po ng patakaran ang ating kataas-taasang hukuman na kung sino pong una na mag-issue, ‘yun po ang susundin. E kaso hindi naman sinunod,” Topacio said.“So may problema talaga tayo dyan na kailangan nating tapatan ng karampatang hinaing at mga reklamo.”Topacio added that their camp had a pending appeal to defer Teves’ transfer and insisted that the court’s order was not yet final.“Hindi pa po executory ‘yung order na ‘yun, sapagkat lahat po ng order ng hukuman, kahit saang hukuman, binibigyan po ng pagkakataon na mag-MR ‘yung pong mga kinuukulan,” he argued.Topacio said Teves should remain in the custody of the NBI, where he was originally turned over following his deportation from Timor-Leste.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/11/ex-negros-oriental-rep-teves-transfered-to-camp-bagong-diwa-jail-2235">Ex-Negros Oriental Rep. Teves transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa jail</a></div><div>DEGAMO WELCOMES MOVE</div>Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Congresswoman-elect Janice Degamo, widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, welcomed the transfer, describing it as “a step toward justice.”“This transfer is crucial as it sends a clear message that Arnie Teves must be treated like any other accused criminal, no special treatment, no privileges. The gravity of his crimes demands nothing less,” Degamo said in a statement.Degamo underscored the importance of transparency and fairness in the proceedings.“We remain steadfast in our fight. We will never forget. We will never stop seeking justice.”<div>PLANS TO FILE COMPLAINT VS. COURT</div>Teves’ camp also plans to file a motion for inhibition against RTC Branch 51, accusing the court of bias and undue influence from the private complainant.“Nakakahalata na po kami na may pattern dito, na mukhang nako coop po ‘yung hukuman ng private prosecutor, ng private complainant na hindi naman po dapat pangyari,” said Topacio.“Parang nagiging sunod-sunuran po sa private complainant na si Mayor Janice Degamo ang hukuman. Sapagkat noong nagsalita siya na gusto niyang ilipat sa City Jail, ayan, nilipat agad sa City Jail in violation of so many rules regarding commitment orders.”Teves is facing multiple murder charges related to the March 2023 assassination of Governor Degamo and several others in Negros Oriental.

The lawyer of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. is raising legal concerns over his transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, following a commitment order issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51.

The lawyer of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. is raising legal concerns over his transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, following a commitment order issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51.