Lawyer cites “Godfather Doctrine” in Teves multiple murder raps

NEGROS Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. may eventually be prosecuted for the deaths of provincial governor Roel Degamo and nine other civilians through the so-called “Godfather Doctrine.”

Lawyer Levi Baligod, who represents Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo and other victims, revealed this during an interview with CNN Philippines.

Teves has repeatedly denied any involvement in Degamo’s murder, citing the absence of direct evidence connecting him to the March 4 incident.

Baligod explained the concept of the Godfather Doctrine, stating, “We have what we call the Godfather Doctrine. You won’t find any evidence directly linking the godfather or the leader of a syndicate to the crime committed.”

But he explained that the prosecution of the godfather or crime group leader is possible based on at least three circumstantial evidence, a principle that has long been adopted in the United States.

Baligod argued that the Philippine justice system, which draws inspiration from U.S. and Spanish laws, can adopt the Godfather Doctrine.

He claimed that a multitude of circumstantial evidence surrounding the Degamo case could eventually implicate Teves, who is currently abroad and has yet to return.

“.. Although there is no direct evidence linking Cong. Teves to the killings, more than three circumstantial evidence would point to the fact that he was one of the masterminds,” Baligod stated.

According to Baligod, the recent charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with the Department of Justice (DOJ) will undergo evaluation to determine if a full-blown preliminary investigation targeting Teves is necessary.

The National Prosecution Service will review the complaints before deciding on the next steps, including the potential issuance of a subpoena to Teves.

The NBI filed multiple complaints, including charges of multiple murder against Teves, in relation to the killings of Degamo and others. Journalists covering the Justice beat are currently awaiting copies of the complaints.

Recently, Teves had his application for political asylum rejected by the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste.

Despite maintaining his innocence, he has expressed his intention to return to the Philippines once the perceived threat to his life has been properly addressed.