Teves Not Afraid Because He’s Innocent

“It is the right of every citizen to enter any courtroom and watch.” ~Atty. Ferdinand Topacio

Following the statement of Atty. Ferdinand Topacio was barred from attending or observing the hearing on the Degamo slay case, in which former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. is implicated, at the Regional Trial Court at Manila City Hall on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Teves' constituents in Negros and other locations feel he is innocent and the victim of political persecution

According to Topacio, he did not attend the hearing at RTC Branch 51, which was overseen by Hon. Merianthe Pacita Zurake, not as a lawyer, but as a member of the public, is specifically permitted by the Constitution to attend any hearing. To prevent more debates, the judge allowed Topacio to remain during the proceedings. Topacio highlighted that he attended the court not because the judge permitted it, but because it is a constitutional right.

Topacio highlighted that he attended the court not because the judge permitted it, but because it is a constitutional right. The lawyer also stated that he would file a motion to lift the ban on public attendance, arguing that the restriction violates the Constitution and court rules, which state that court hearings should be open to the public unless the case involves sensitive, obscene, or private testimony that requires protection.

Topacio further stated that Teves has a pending appeal in his extradition case as well as an application for political asylum, which is why the Timor-Leste government is allowing him to stay "legally".