Arnie Teves willing to testify on alleged graft in flood control projects —lawyer

Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is facing multiple murder cases, has expressed willingness to testify on supposed anomalous flood control projects, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ legal counsel, said this in a letter dated August 18 and addressed to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, the chairman of Senate blue ribbon committee.

The blue ribbon committee’s probe into the projects began today.

“Mr. Teves Jr., through the undersigned, humbly offers his willingness and intention to testify on how graft is being committed in flood control projects, as such testimony may aid your Honorable Committee in its investigation and ultimately help ensure good legislation and governance,” he said.

“Mr. Teves believes that his experience as a long-time member of the House of Representatives will be invaluable in providing insights and information on the subject matter of the investigation, to which others may not be privy,” he added.

In August 2023, the House of Representatives voted to expel Teves for disorderly conduct and his continued absence despite an expired travel authority.

At that time, Teves had been charged with multiple murder charges over the killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others on March 4, 2023 at the Degamo residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Teves has denied having a role in the killing of Degamo.

Teves did not return to the country, citing fears for his safety.

The former lawmaker was deported back to the Philippines from Timor-Leste in May 2025.

Meanwhile, Teves and 12 others have also been designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental. —KG, GMA Integrated News