No one can escape justice.
This was the reaction made by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. in connection with the latest court decision canceling the passport of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
The Manila Reginal Trial Court Branch 51 ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs to enforce the cancellation and tapped the National Bureau of Investigation to take proper steps for Teves to be brought back to the country.
“About the cancellation of the passport of Mr. Teves, remember this: no one can escape justice,” said Abalos at the sideline of his official activity Saturday in Malabon City.
“Sooner or later, no matter where you hide, the law will catch up on you and you will be held liable for your sins, and that’s what we are telling our countrymen,” he said.
The court stated that the prosecution established Teves as a fugitive from justice. It cited that while the Philippine Constitution guarantees the right to travel, this is not absolute and may be subjected to restrictions as dictated by the law.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions.
“The pursuit of justice remains steadfast and unyielding. We will not allow individuals charged with heinous crimes to evade the legal process,” Remulla said.
“This is a clear message that our society demands accountability, and we shall leave no stone unturned to bring alleged perpetrators to book. Our resolve to create a just and fair Philippine society for all is stronger than ever,” he stressed.
The Justice Department filed criminal charges against the expelled lawmaker in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in March.
Teves has been tagged as “one of the masterminds” in the killing of Degamo, the deaths of nine other persons, and injuries sustained by 18 individuals, but the lamwker has denied the allegations.
Teves is also facing multiple murder complaints in Bayawan, Negros Oriental for the killing of Negros Oriental board member Miguel Dungog and two others in 2019.
The House of Representatives had voted 265-0 with three abstentions to expel Teves.