Former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who was expelled from office, is scheduled to be extradited to the Philippines at the end of July, despite his intentions to appeal before the courts of Timor-Leste. This information was confirmed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano stated that Teves’ legal team has a 30-day window to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste. “If they use the entire 30-day period, as we expect they will, then after the filing, we will await the decision of the Court of Appeals in Timor-Leste. It is expected that we will see Mr. Teves back in the Philippines around the final week of July,” said Clavano during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
Clavano further emphasized that the Philippines prevailed in the extradition case because Teves’ arguments lacked merit, specifically his claims about facing the death penalty in the Philippines and the country’s alleged poor human rights conditions. “We do not have a death penalty here in the Philippines. We have also implemented numerous reforms and initiatives to protect human rights,” explained Clavano, indicating that the court is likely to uphold its decision once the motion for reconsideration is filed by Teves’ legal team. “I believe it is time for them to address the charges of multiple murders in the Philippines,” added Clavano.
Teves’ legal representative, Ferdinand Topacio, had previously announced that the extradition decision is “still subject to appeal” and is a “recourse that we intend to pursue.” “We also still have the option of seeking political asylum,” added Topacio.
Teves is currently facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51, in connection with the shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental on March 4, 2023. He had fled to Dili and applied for political asylum. He was apprehended at a golf driving range in March.
In August of last year, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves and his younger brother, former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves, as terrorists due to their alleged involvement in numerous murder incidents and harassment in the province during their time in public office. Pryde Henry was also arrested in Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City on June 20 for his purported involvement in terrorism activities. He posted bail of PHP600,000. (PNA)
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