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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Para kang nakabaril ng elepante': Teves says he and Bantag are being eyed by gov't as 'trophies'

'Para kang nakabaril ng elepante': Teves says he and Bantag are being eyed by gov't as 'trophies'

Published Apr 22, 2023 12:26 pm
Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves thinks that the government wants to claim him and former Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) director general Gerald Bantag as "trophies". By "trophies", Teves meant an accomplishment for the government a la big game hunting. Only, the controversial congressman insists that he and Bantag are being "persecuted". "Feeling ko, ginagawa nila kaming--under the business interest, ginagawa nila kaming parang trophy (I feel that--under business interest, we are being made as trophies)," Teves told a new forum on Saturday, April 22. "Pareho kami ni Bantag di ba na gusto na nilang kumita, gusto pa nilang sumikat (It's the same case with Bantag, they're using us for profit and for fame). There is really persecution already)," he said. "So kung napabagsak nila yung ganun, kung napatumba nila yung ganun, para silang nagka-trophy. Kumbaga para kang nakabaril ng elepante, nakabaril ng deer (So if they're able to take those people down, it's like they took home a trophy. It's like they shot an elephant, they shot a deer). It's a trophy," he explained. Teves is tagged in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last March 4, while Bantag is implicated in the killing of radio broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa on Oct. 3, 2022. Both are essentially eluding authorities; the only difference is, Bantag already has charges filed against him. Asked what the government would gain from his "persecution", Teves said: "Syempre hindi naman sa pagyayabang, may pangalan na rin tayo, di ba? (Not to brag, but I'm already popular, right?)" "Oo nga sila malakas, napatumba nila yung isang tao na--syempre may alam din naman tayo. Mayroon narin naman tayong standing sa publiko, di ba? Maraming followers. Medyo may, kilala din tayo ng konti (Yes they are strong, they were able to bring down a person that's--I have knowledge too. I already have a standing in society, right? I have a lot of followers, I'm somewhat popular)," the suspended solon said. "Again, just like D. G. Bantag, di ba (right)? Isang mabait na tao, magaling. Tao pa ni PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte), di ba? (A good and skilled man, one who was under PRRD, right?)," added Teves. Teves is currently out of the country and refuses to come home.

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trophies roel degamo percy lapid Gerald Bantag Rep. Arnolfo Teves
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