DOJ: Timor-Leste denies Teves’ appeal against extradition

MANILA, Philippines — The motion for reconsideration filed by the camp of former Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. against his extradition has been denied, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

“The Department of Justice (DOJ) has received an official update from the Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste regarding former Congressman Arnulfo Teves’ Motion for Reconsideration. Teves sought to reverse the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision on his extradition,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

READ: Timor-Leste OKs Teves extradition to PH

“We wish to inform the public that this motion has been denied,” it added.

The DOJ said that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla praised the denial of Teves’ motion and called it “a significant step forward” in the quest for justice.

“This decision underscores that justice proceeds irrespective of an individual’s status,” Remulla said, as quoted in the statement.

READ: DOJ spokesperson says Teves may be back in PH by end of July

The Court of Appeals in Timor-Leste last June granted the Philippine government’s request to extradite Teves. He is facing a murder trial over the killing of a political rival last year.

This decision was countered by Teves’ camp through a motion for reconsideration filed the following month.

READ: Janice Degamo welcomes Teves’ arrest