MANILA, April 17 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday refuted statements made by the defense counsel of ousted Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. that prosecutors tampered with witnesses in the ongoing case of the murder of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

"I can confirm that this statement is completely misleading," DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano said of the allegations by Teves' counsel Ferdinand Topacio that the DOJ has been "tampering" with two arrested conspirators in the case due to the absence of legal counsels.

"The evidence is strong, and we just want to finally be able to present it in court and have the court decide on the guilt of the perpetrator. This case is more than ...