The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 on Thursday entered a “not guilty” plea for former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. in connection with charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Judge Renato Enciso entered the plea after Teves chose to invoke his right to remain silent during his arraignment.
The case involves firearms, explosives, and ammunition reportedly seized during a raid at Teves’ home in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, in March 2023.
Following the arraignment, the court moved to pre-trial proceedings and set the formal trial schedule, with the next hearing slated for July 29 and subsequent sessions extending until 2027.
Teves appeared in court under heavy security, wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet, and was later returned to the National Bureau of Investigation detention facility within the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Aside from this case, Teves faces multiple murder and attempted murder charges in various courts, including 10 counts related to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and others in 2023. He is also facing cases under the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act at Quezon City RTC Branch 77.