Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has sought assistance from the United Nations (UN) last week over the accusations against him.
In the Pandesal Forum on Monday, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ legal counsel, stated that their camp has resorted to bringing the matter of his political persecution before the UN Commission on Human Rights.
The UN and its Special Rapporteurs are reviewing the case to identify whether there was a violation of the former lawmaker’s rights. The camp’s decision to bring it to the UN was in line with the Philippines being a signatory to the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the International Treaty on Civil and Political Rights.
As part of those agreements, the Philippines is required to follow the rules instituted by the UN.
Teves is accused of being the mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in 2023. Despite the multiple murder charges, Teves has repeatedly denied any involvement in the incident.