Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla cleared former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry A. Teves of any complicity in the March 4 killing of Gov. Roel R. Degamo in Pamplona town.
“We don’t see him at all. He has not turned out positive to be a major actor,” Remulla said in an interview with CNN Philippines on Wednesday, May 10.
Pryde Teves was Negros Oriental governor until the Commission on Elections (Comelec) unseated him as it declared Grego “Ruel” G. Degamo a nuisance candidate in the May 9, 2022 election. The votes obtained by Ruel G. Degamo was credited in favor of Roel R. Degamo.
With the Comelec’s ruling, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in February 2023, Roel R. Degamo garnered as total of 331,726 votes as against Pryde Teves’ 301,319 votes.
Thereafter, Roel Degamo took over the post as Negros Oriental governor until his slaying on March 4, 2023 in his hometown.
Remulla said that criminal complaints in the Pamplona killings against Pryde Henry’s brother, suspended 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., are expected to be filed on Monday, May 15.
After the filing of the complaints, Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of “Arnie” Teves.
With the cancellation of the passport, Remulla said that Teves would become an illegal alien in any country and will have to be deported back to the Philippines.
Earlier, “Arnie” Teves was reported in Timor Leste and applied for an asylum which was denied and was given five days to leave the country. Within the period, he may file an appeal.