Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla strongly advised Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., to act accordingly as expected from an officer of the court by avoiding baseless pronouncements against the State which malign the integrity of the country’s Justice System.
The Secretary issued this in response to a circulating letter allegedly coming from Teves seeking the intervention/help of the United Nations, Amnesty International, other human rights groups and even Pope Francis claiming that he is unjustly persecuted and falsely accused.
“I am being politically persecuted: charged with false accusations and even presumed guilty before trial,” part of the circulating letter read.
“You all know the reality in the Philippines, please do not send me there. I do not want to be killed. Please save my life,” Teves allegedly wrote.
The DOJ categorizes such statements as imaginary and a delaying tactic. While he paints himself as a victim, there are clear victims in the case of multiple murder.
“Instead of dilly dallying things, Teves should just face the court of law and answer the charges fair and square,” Secretary Remulla said.
“Teves is a designated terrorist and fugitive from justice, he is also facing grave charges such as multiple murder and all of that is a reality Topacio and his client should face. Until then, we cannot recognize anything they say unless they present themselves in court,” the Secretary added.
In numerous occasions, the Philippine government has already guaranteed the protection of Teves.
"Prove us wrong that you are not merely employing tactics intended to delay or circumvent the Rule of Law by presenting 'real' and 'existing' proof that Teves' life is in danger, otherwise, submit yourselves to Philippine jurisdiction, time is of the essence knowing that there are victims crying for justice," Sec. Remulla told Atty. Topacio.
Meanwhile, as to allegations that cases pushed through against Teves despite the recantation of witnesses, it is already within the court's jurisdiction to decide on this in a full blown trial.
Recantations do not necessarily weaken a case where there are other pieces of evidence that support the original statement. More so, recantations are frowned upon in our justice system.