MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that there is no set timeline for the possible return of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the Philippines, as his camp still has the option to appeal the recent decision granting his extradition.
On Thursday, the DOJ confirmed that Timor-Leste had again approved the Philippines’ extradition request for Teves, who faces multiple murder charges.
However, Teves’ legal team has 30 days to file an appeal, leaving the timeline uncertain.
“It’s difficult to give a timeline right now, as the period for filing an appeal is still open,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in an ambush interview. “We are simply participants in this case and will comply with the given timelines.”
This marks the second time Timor-Leste has granted the extradition request, following a similar decision in June. However, Teves’ camp contested the ruling on procedural grounds, arguing over the number of judges involved in the decision. This led the Timor-Leste court to request further evidence from both parties.
Clavano expressed confidence that if an appeal is filed, the Timor-Leste court would uphold its previous ruling. “We do not expect the decision to change, as the justices’ stance remains the same,” he said.
The DOJ emphasized that the decision reflected respect for Philippine and international law, welcoming the ruling as a “sound” decision.
THE RULING
In a 74-page decision, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Philippines’ extradition request for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., emphasizing that the request was based on criminal charges, not political motivations.
The court clarified that the Philippine government seeks Teves’ extradition to face charges related to multiple murders, including the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in 2023, and not due to any political stance or affiliation.
The court rejected arguments from Teves’ camp that he would face torture, inhumane treatment, or death in the Philippines, stating that the Philippine Constitution and criminal code provide strong procedural safeguards for defendants.
“There is no reason to believe that the Extraditee will not be subjected to a fair and equitable process,” the court stated, asserting that the Philippines would lose international credibility if it violated these protections.
However, one judge dissented, suggesting that Teves’ extradition could be politically motivated after Teves publicly criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The dissenting judge also expressed concerns about the potential for inhuman treatment in the Philippines, referencing allegations of torture against witnesses in the case.
Teves, who has denied all charges, faces multiple murder charges related to killings in Negros Oriental in 2019, as well as terrorism-related accusations.
He was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023 due to disorderly conduct and extended absences.