DOJ: Timor-Leste ruling vs. Teves stands

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday maintained that the latest move by the legal team of former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. insisting on new proceedings to question his extradition from Timor-Leste will not prosper.

"We are confident that the outcome of the new proceedings will be the same as the previous decision. The legal merits are clear, and we expect that Mr. Teves will face justice in the Philippines soon, given the strong evidence against him in connection with multiple serious charges, including the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo," the DOJ said in a statement.

The DOJ's statement clarified recent reports regarding the alleged nullification of the Timor-Leste court's decision to extradite Teves.

Contrary to these claims, the department said the proper court in Timor-Leste has already ruled, based on the merits, that Teves should be extradited to the Philippines.

It said Teves' attempt to contest this ruling on procedural grounds, specifically questioning the number of judges involved in the decision, is just "a clear afterthought".

"Mr. Teves and his representatives were fully engaged in the proceedings, had the opportunity to present their case, and were afforded due process throughout. Their recent objections only arose after they failed to secure a favorable outcome," the DOJ said.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reassured that the Philippine government is fully committed to bringing Teves back to the country.

"No amount of underhanded tactics will derail our determination to get this fugitive home to face the murder charges. The victims need justice," he said.

Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 over the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that led to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and several others.

He fled to Dili, Timor-Leste, and applied for political asylum.

In March, he was arrested while playing golf. He was released from the Becora Prison but was re-arrested and transferred to the Polícia Nacional of Timor-Leste.

On June 27, the DOJ said the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste granted the Philippines' request for Teves' extradition.

Teves has filed an appeal on the ruling, but the Timor-Leste government turned it down. (PNA)