(MB FILE PHOTO)
Neither hospital arrest nor preferential treatment will be accorded to former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured the public on Wednesday, July 2.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla insisted that Teves isfit for incarceration in normal jail after he was given clearance for hospital discharge.
Remulla insisted that the expelled solon will never get special treatment inside the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-manned detention facility, reiterating that Teves “will be treated in the same manner as any other Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL).’’
The DILG chief also assured that the BJMP will continue to ensure the safety of Teves and all the PDLs in its custody.
Remulla’s statement came before the BJMP confirmed Teves’ discharge from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Wednesday night, July 1.
Ferdinand Topacio, counsel of Teves, said the former lawmaker is still experiencing abdominal pains and will remain under medical watch.
In a GMA News report, Teves’ arraignment for one of his murder cases before a Manila court was rescheduled to July 14 due to his surgery.
The ex-solon refused to enter a plea in his cases, prompting the various Manila courts to enter a not guilty plea for him.
Teves is facing murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder case over the alleged killing of Degamo and others. He is also facing an illegal possession of firearms and explosives case before a Manila court.
The former solon and several others have also been charged for the alleged killings of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.