FORMER Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. once again declined to enter a plea during his arraignment on Tuesday at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15.
This time, the charges relate to the alleged murder of former board member Michael Dungog. While Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, stated that the court entered a “not guilty” plea on his client’s behalf, Topacio clarified that this was a procedural move by the court, and Teves himself continues to contest the circumstances of his repatriation from abroad.
This marks the latest instance where Teves has deferred entering a plea in multiple cases. He previously declined to enter pleas in cases involving illegal possession of firearms and explosives, the murder of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, and terrorism financing.
This pattern of deferring pleas suggests a broader legal strategy aimed at challenging the legitimacy of the charges and the process of his return to the Philippines.
The Anti-Terrorism Council has also designated Teves and 12 others as terrorists, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding the numerous cases against him.
