THE extradition of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr. is in the “final stage” of the process, as reported by the Department of Justice (DOJ), two weeks after the agency announced Timor-Leste’s decision to grant the extradition request of the Philippines.
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said Teves’ camp has 30 days to file an appeal against Timor-Leste’s decision.
“We are assuring Mr. Teves his right to due process in all aspects of the proceedings, including his right to file the motion for reconsideration on the decision to extradite him, and that will lapse in 30 days. So, we are very confident and we are on top of the situation,” according to Usec. Jesse Andres, DOJ.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder in the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.
He is said to be the alleged mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and others in March 2023.
Meanwhile, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez revealed that the prosecution is preparing for Teves’ return to the Philippines.
“Our government is preparing for the return of former Cong. Arnie Teves because our belief is strong— the belief that, since there are no new evidence actually that may be presented— because everything has already been presented. We have five witnesses there, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals heard only two,” Usec. Raul Vasquez, DOJ said. Vasquez also urged Teves to face the charges against him.
The official mentioned that no matter what happens in the extradition process, there is still one thing Timor-Leste can do, which is deportation.
“Since the former (congressman) is undocumented… his passport has been canceled. So, either case, we are confident that he will return sooner or later. And hopefully, so that this issue can be put to rest – if he is guilty or not guilty – he should just go here,” Vasquez added.
DOJ Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano first announced that the country has won the extradition case after the Attorney-General of Timor-Leste announced that the court granted the extradition of Teves to the Philippines.
On the other hand, Teves’ legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said the fight is not over because they can still appeal the court’s decision.
“Not so fast, Mr. Clavano. You have not won. Not by a long shot. For one, the judgment is still appealable, a recourse that we have every intention of taking,” according to Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Legal Counsel of Arnie Teves Jr.
Topacio added that even if his client is sent back to the Philippines, they still have to prove that Teves is indeed guilty of the accusation of killing Degamo.
“And even if you bring Mr. Teves back, you will still have to prove him guilty in the face of recantations by all witnesses previously against him who were tortured and intimidated into testifying falsely against him,” Topacio added.
