Blocking Teves’ extradition will ‘greatly impact’ his case – Palace
Arnolfo Teves Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The denial of the Philippines’ extradition request for expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. will “greatly impact” the progress of his charges, Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Friday.
“The impact of this will be significant, considering that there are alleged victims who have filed complaints against former Congressman Teves,” Castro said in Filipino in a press conference.
“So, as much as possible, the administration will continue to fight for justice for the alleged victims,” she added.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder under the Revised Penal Code.
He is wanted for the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in 2023 in what is also known as the Pamplona Massacre.
The government of Timor-Leste has approved Teves’ appeal to block the extradition request, lawyer Fernando Topacio, Teves’ counsel, told INQUIRER.net on Thursday.
Previously, Timor-Leste had granted the request twice.
Castro admitted that the government was “surprised” by the approval of Teves’ appeal, especially regarding the provision the Court of Appeal of Timor-Leste cited in rejecting the wanted lawmaker’s extradition.
The Timor-Leste court cited a provision in their constitution, which prohibits extradition if there is a well-founded risk of being subjected to torture, inhumane, degrading, or cruel treatment.
“Even in our Constitution, that is prohibited. That’s why when they presented their evidence, our administration, through the DOJ, made it clear that none of this will happen under our administration,” Castro said.
‘They are puzzled as to why the initial decision of the Timor-Leste court was overturned. Through the appeal they will file, they will demonstrate that the extradition should indeed be granted,” she added.
When asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had new directives regarding Teves, Castro responded that he would continue to leave it to the DOJ.
