A MANILA court entered a “not guilty” plea for former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. during his arraignment yesterday in connection with a 2019 murder case in his province, his lawyer said.
Ferdinand Topacio said Teves, who attended his arraignment via videoconference, refused to enter a plea before Branch 12 of the Manila Regional Trial Court RTC).
Under the rules, the court then has to enter a “not guilty” plea on his behalf.
Topacio said the court set the pre-trial of the case on July 29.
Last month, Teves also did not enter a plea during his arraignment on the multiple murder case in connection with the March 2023 attack that killed his political rival, Roel Degamo, and nine others, as well as during his arraignment on the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges, all before the Manila RTC.
He also did not enter a plea during his arraignment before the Quezon City RTC on the terrorism financing case filed against him by state prosecutors.
The Anti-Terrorism Council has designated Teves and 11 others as terrorists under the country’s controversial anti-terrorism law.
