Arnie Teves' brother Pryde Henry files COC for Negros Oriental special polls

Former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves has filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for an upcoming special election to fill the post of his brother, expelled lawmaker Arnie Teves. 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) made the announcement on Wednesday, November 8, the third day of the filing of COC for the special election in the province. 

Arnie Teves was ousted by his colleagues in the House of Representatives due to disorderly behavior and his continued absence in the House proceedings despite an expired travel authority.  

Both Arnie and Henry have been tagged as "terrorists" by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) in relation to the killings and harassments in Negros Oriental. 

Arnie Teves is also facing murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder charges in relation to the killing of Negors Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Pryde Henry, meanwhile, said that he will appeal his designation as terrorist.

“My lawyer called me and said that they are studying the law because this is a new law, how we can appeal it ... if it’s appealable, and where to appeal it,” Pryde Henry said back in August.

“Kailangan kong i-appeal yan dahil (I really need to appeal that because) it will really give me a hard time in making a living,” he added.

Pryde Henry’s lawyer, Atty. Raymund Fortun, also said that they will use legal remedies to remove his client from the list of designated terrorists.

“We will avail of legal remedies for delisting under the Anti-Terror Law. We are hopeful that the reasons we provide will be favorably considered,” he said.

Aside from Henry Teves, others who filed COC to fill Arnie Teves’ vacated legislative seat include Reynaldo Lopez and Lenin Aviola.

The filing of COC for the December 9 special elections started last November 6 and will continue until November 11. —VAL, GMA Integrated News