NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Son Of Former Rep. Teves Attempts To Bribe Authorities In Timor-Leste
The arrest of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. in Dili, Timor-Leste on March 21, 2024, was captured on drone footage. Screengrab from NBI
The attempted bribery case involving the son of former Representative Teves Jr. has stirred controversy, with allegations of a $2,000 bribe offered to a PCIC member for supposed "security" arrangements inside and outside Becora Prison, where the individual is detained pending extradition or deportation.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating, "Let us stop playing hide and seek with the law. One cannot evade accountability for eternity. Prolonging your liabilities with the rule of law only worsens your predicament."
Meanwhile, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel for the former Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., refrained from making specific comments on the allegations, citing them as hearsay.
He also dismissed the statement of the DOJ Secretary, questioning the validity of opinions based on such hearsay and suggesting past errors in the Secretary's judgments.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating, "Let us stop playing hide and seek with the law. One cannot evade accountability for eternity. Prolonging your liabilities with the rule of law only worsens your predicament."
Meanwhile, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel for the former Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., refrained from making specific comments on the allegations, citing them as hearsay.
He also dismissed the statement of the DOJ Secretary, questioning the validity of opinions based on such hearsay and suggesting past errors in the Secretary's judgments.
Apr 19, 2024
