January 16, 2026 - Former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been acquitted of murder charges by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15, which granted his demurrer to evidence and ordered his release from custody. The court ruled that prosecutors failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in connection with the 2019 killing in Dumaguete City, effectively clearing Teves and two co-accused of the case.

Judge Miriam Samson, in her decision, said the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to prove conspiracy or direct involvement of Teves in the crime. The ruling means Teves will be freed from detention, though he continues to face other high-profile cases.

Teves has long been a controversial figure in Philippine politics. He was expelled from the House of Representatives in 2023 after failing to return to the country to face allegations that he masterminded the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. The attack, carried out in March 2023, left Degamo and nine others dead, and injured several more. Authorities described the incident as one of the most brazen political killings in recent history.

Following the Degamo killing, Teves fled the Philippines and sought refuge abroad. He was later arrested in Timor-Leste in 2024 after overstaying his visa and was detained while extradition proceedings were underway. Philippine officials, including the Department of Justice, coordinated with Timor-Leste authorities to secure his return. His capture reignited calls for accountability and underscored the government’s determination to pursue justice in politically motivated crimes.

Despite his acquittal in the 2019 Dumaguete case, Teves still faces multiple charges related to the Degamo assassination, including murder and terrorism. The DOJ has vowed to continue pursuing these cases, stressing that the acquittal does not absolve him of responsibility in other pending trials.

The acquittal has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of Teves claim the ruling vindicates him, while critics argue that his alleged role in the Degamo killing remains unresolved. Legal experts note that the decision highlights the importance of strong evidence in politically sensitive cases, especially those involving high-profile figures.

This development is expected to dominate headlines as the DOJ prepares for the next phase of proceedings against the former lawmaker.