Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. will not receive any special privileges in detention, according to his legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio. Teves will share a standard 10-square-meter cell at the New Bilibid Prison’s Building 14 with another inmate.
Despite earlier statements suggesting he would be held alone temporarily, Topacio clarified that they agreed to follow all standard detention rules to avoid criticism and show respect for NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
The cell features a bunk bed, shared toilet, and a small electric fan—identical to what other inmates use. “There is no special treatment for Mr. Teves,” Topacio emphasized.
Teves recently returned to the Philippines after being deported from Timor-Leste, where he had sought asylum. He is the alleged mastermind behind the March 2023 assassination of former Governor Roel Degamo and nine others—a claim he denies.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, has called for marathon hearings to expedite the trial. Teves echoed her sentiment, saying he hopes the case will be resolved swiftly.