Arnolfo Teves Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government expressed disappointment with Timor-Leste for “not showing enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines,” following its refusal to extradite expelled lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
Teves, who faces multiple murder and frustrated murder charges in Manila, sought political asylum in Timor-Leste in 2023 but was denied. Despite this, he has remained in the country while the Philippine government continued its efforts for his extradition.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) publicly stated the country’s position on Thursday, emphasizing that the Philippines is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which Timor-Leste is seeking to join.
READ: Timor-Leste court rejects PH bid to extradite Teves
“We are disappointed that Timor-Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of the Asean which it seeks to join, and among the very first Asean member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” said DFA.
“While its application is dependent on its compliance with the Roadmap for full membership in Asean and its accession to the Asean Charter, it should also be able to demonstrate that it shares the spirit of trust and cooperation that Asean member states accord one another, not only within the framework of Asean, but also in their bilateral relations,” it added.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Timor Leste’s bid to join Asean could face problems following their denial of the Philippine government’s request.
READ: Refusal to extradite Teves may hinder Timor-Leste’s Asean bid – DOJ
“It is not going to be pleasant for Timor Leste because they’re applying to be in the Asean, and we [are] one of the founding fathers of the Asean,” Remulla said then.