EXPELLED Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has lost his father and namesake who passed away on Tuesday, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio disclosed on Thursday.
Arnolfo Teves, Sr. died on Christmas Eve at the age of 77, Topacio said.
“The most painful blow for Rep. Teves is the fact that he was overseas and could not return home to hug and pay his last respects and farewell to his father who passed away, due to the baseless and relentless persecution and pressure of the current government, solely for political and selfish interests,” said Topacio.
He added that the Teves patriarch inspired “Rep. Teves, Gov. Henry and other members of his family to enter government service to advance that kind of goal, and to serve the people faithfully and efficiently.”
The only hope that Teves had in the midst of his grief was the oath he had sworn to his father while he was lying on his sickbed, that he would clear the name Teves that he carried as his father’s name, according to Topacio.
Teves is facing murder charges before Philippine courts in connection with the killing of then Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo last year.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said earlier there was no timeline yet on the possible return to the country of the former Negros Oriental lawmaker as his camp may still appeal the decision granting his extradition.
The DOJ said the Timor-Leste government granted anew the Philippines extradition request for Teves. However, it said that Teves still has 30 days to file an appeal.
