Manila court acquits ex-Rep. Arnie Teves for 2019 murder

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Regional Trial Court has acquitted former Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. for the murder of Lester Bato in 2019. In an order dated Jan. 5, 2026 but made public Friday, the Manila court granted the demurrer to evidence submitted by Teves. A demurrer to evidence is, in effect, a motion to dismiss filed by