Former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been granted bail by a Manila Regional Trial Court in the 2019 murder case of alleged gunman Pacito Libron, but the ex-lawmaker will continue his detention at the National Bureau of Investigation facility due to additional criminal cases awaiting trial.
The Manila RTC Branch 30 approved bail of ₱500,000 for Teves in a comprehensive 27-page decision released this week, while setting bail for his co-defendants at ₱250,000 each in the Bayawan City killing case.
According to defense attorney Ferdinand Topacio, his client will not gain freedom despite the court’s favorable decision, confirming to media that “there is one more pending case” that keeps Teves in custody.
Stay informed with our free weekly newsletter. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Court Cites Flight Risk in Bail Decision
The significantly higher bail amount imposed on Teves versus his co-defendants stems from judicial concerns about his congressional background and his documented attempt to flee Philippine jurisdiction.
The court’s resolution specifically noted: “The Court also does not ignore the fact that a few years ago, accused Teves fled the country and tried to seek asylum in East Timor. Thus, the Court finds that a higher amount should be fixed as to accused Teves in order to balance the scales of justice.”
This elevated bail requirement demonstrates the judiciary’s awareness of Teves’ previous departure from the Philippines while facing multiple criminal accusations, raising legitimate concerns about his commitment to attend future court proceedings.
Insufficient Evidence of Criminal Conspiracy Found
The murder case involves the June 2019 death of Pacito Libron in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. Prosecutors alleged that Libron, described as a hired assassin, was killed on Teves’ orders based on witness statements linking the former representative to the crime.
Nevertheless, the Manila RTC determined that prosecution evidence failed to establish strong proof of conspiracy among all defendants in the case.
The court’s resolution stated: “With regard to the allegation of conspiracy, the Court finds that the prosecution failed to establish that the evidence of conspiracy was strong amongst all the accused in allegedly killing herein victim Pacito Libron.”
This judicial finding constitutes a major blow to prosecutors who attempted to prove coordinated criminal activity involving multiple accused persons in Libron’s killing.
Detention Continues at NBI Facility
Teves continues his confinement at the National Bureau of Investigation detention center located within the New Bilibid Prison complex in Muntinlupa City, where he has been housed since returning to Philippine soil.
The former representative was repatriated to the Philippines in May 2025 after his apprehension in Dili, Timor-Leste, where he had sought political asylum for approximately two years following his February 2023 departure from the country.
His extended absence from the Philippines while confronting numerous criminal accusations attracted considerable scrutiny from law enforcement authorities and legal professionals nationwide.
Pamplona Massacre and Additional Murder Charges
The Libron case represents just one component of Teves’ extensive legal challenges, with far more severe accusations stemming from the March 4, 2023 Pamplona massacre that claimed the lives of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine other individuals, while injuring several more victims.
Multiple murder charges, frustrated murder counts, and attempted murder accusations have been filed against Teves in connection with the devastating political assassination that sent shockwaves throughout the province and captured national headlines regarding political violence in Negros Oriental.
The Pamplona massacre represents the most serious criminal case among Teves’ various legal battles, considering both the social prominence of the victims and the extensive scope of violence involved in the incident.
Recent Legal Wins and Continuing Obstacles
This bail approval in the Libron matter marks another positive legal development for Teves following several months of mixed court outcomes. During January 2026, a different Manila RTC branch issued an acquittal in the 2019 murder of former provincial board member Miguel Dungog after approving defense counsel’s demurrer to evidence motion.
Teves previously obtained bail approval in the murder case involving Lester Bato, another 2019 victim, suggesting some effectiveness in his legal team’s defense approach across multiple criminal proceedings.
Despite these courtroom successes, such victories remain overshadowed by the gravity of charges he faces, especially those connected to the Pamplona massacre incident.
Justice Department Maintains Strong Opposition
The Department of Justice continues expressing firm resistance to Teves’ bail applications throughout his various cases, repeatedly contending that his release would create substantial public safety risks.
DOJ officials have referenced what they characterize as the “grave and imminent danger” his freedom would present to society, highlighting persistent worries about potential witness intimidation tactics or additional violent incidents.
This unwavering position indicates that government prosecutors will maintain vigorous opposition to future bail requests from Teves, especially regarding the most serious pending accusations.
Broader Political and Legal Consequences
The Teves case carries significant ramifications for addressing political violence throughout Negros Oriental and the broader Philippines. His terrorist designation by the Anti-Terrorism Council, combined with multiple criminal cases, exemplifies high-profile accountability measures targeting alleged political violence perpetrators.
The former congressman’s ongoing legal struggles continue drawing national media attention, particularly considering his past role as an elected public official and the serious nature of accusations against him.
Legal experts observe that various court rulings in his cases will likely shape prosecution and defense strategies in comparable political violence cases moving forward.
While legal proceedings advance, Teves remains a prominent figure in continuing initiatives to combat political violence and establish accountability for serious criminal offenses in the Philippines.
Stay informed — get Negros Oriental news weekly
Free newsletter, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
