A Manila court has cleared former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. and two other accused in a 2019 murder case, citing the prosecution's failure to present sufficient evidence for a conviction.
Court Dismisses Murder Charges
In a detailed 35-page order dated January 5, 2026, Branch 15 of the Manila Regional Trial Court granted the demurrer to evidence filed by Teves and his co-accused. This legal move argues that the prosecution's evidence is insufficient to secure a guilty verdict, even if presumed true.
The court acquitted Teves, along with Richard Cuadra (alias Boy Cuadra) and Rolando Pinili (alias Inday). The ruling stated clearly, "For failure of the prosecution to establish a prima facie case, said accused are hereby acquitted of the crime charged."
The 2019 Killing in Negros Oriental
The dismissed case was related to the murder of Lester Bato, who was serving as a bodyguard for then-mayoral candidate Cliff Cordova of Basay, Negros Oriental. The shooting occurred on May 26, 2019, in Sitio Labugon, Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay.
Defense Hails Ruling, Decries Political Harassment
Following the acquittal, Teves's lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, issued a strong statement. He framed the court's decision as vindication, claiming the charges were politically motivated harassment suits aimed at persecuting a government critic.
"It also shows how the Department of Justice has been weaponized for the purpose of vexing the critics of the government," Topacio said. "We are fortunate, however, to have found a fair and impartial tribunal that has proven itself truly independent and impervious to political pressures."
He added that the legal battle continues, stating, "There are many more battles left to fight for truth and justice... For indeed, the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine."
Teves Remains Detained on Separate Charges
Despite this legal victory, Arnie Teves Jr. remains in detention. He is facing separate, more serious charges in connection with the March 2023 assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others. That high-profile case is still ongoing and is unrelated to the 2019 murder case where he was just acquitted.
