MANILA, Philippines – Pinawalang-sala ng Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 15 si dating Negros Oriental 3rd District Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr , kaugnay sa inihain ‘demurrer to evidence’ sa isang kaso nitong kinakaharap.
Ayon sa desisyon ng korte, bigo umano ang prosekusyon na magkaroon at maitaguyod ang ‘prima facie case’ kung kaya’t ‘acquitted’ sa kaso si Teves.
“The acquittal of former Congressman Arnolfo Teves of the crime of murder by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 15 of Manila is a vivid demonstration that the cases filed against Mr. Teves are nothing but harassment suits meant to persecute a political opponent,” ani Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel ni Teves.
Ayon pa kay Topacio, ipinapakita kung paano ginamit ang Department of Justice para sa layuning gipitin ang kritiko ng gobyerno.
“It also shows how the Department of Justice has been weaponized for the purpose of vexing the critics of government. We are fortunate, however, to have found a fair and impartial tribunal that has proven itself truly independent and impervious to political pressures,” dagdag pa ni Topacio.
Gayunpaman, iba at hiwalay pa ito sa isinampang kaso laban sa dating mambabatas na may kinalaman sa pagpatay kay former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Ayon kay Atty. Topacio, marami pang laban na kailangang labanan para sa katotohanan at katarungan at hindi mag-aatubili ang kampo ni Teves hanggang mabura ang mga walang katotorang mga kaso. Jocelyn Tabangcura-Domenden
