Manila, June 5 -- The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 on Thursday entered a "not guilty" plea for former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. in his illegal possession of firearms and explosives case.

Judge Renato Enciso entered the plea after Teves invoked his right to remain silent during his arraignment.

The case stemmed from the alleged firearms, explosives, and ammunition seized by authorities in a raid at Teves' home in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental in March 2023.

Following the arraignment, the court proceeded with the pre-trial and scheduled hearings for the formal trial on the charges.

The court scheduled the next hearing on July 29, with succeeding hearings lasting until 2027.

Teves arrived in court under h...