Teves’ passport cancellation final and executory, says DOJ

MANILA, Philippines — The cancellation of Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s passport is final and executory, Department of Justice (DOJ) Asec. Mico Clavano said Tuesday.

Clavano pointed out that the 15-day period to file an appeal to the court’s decision revoking the passport of the former lawmaker already lapsed on Monday, February 26.

“As of today, actually as of yesterday, nag-lapse na po ‘yung 15 days doon sa decision of the court na kina-cancel ‘yung kanyang passport. So after 15 days, nagiging final and executory ‘yung decision na yon. So as of today, canceled na po ‘yung passport ni Ginoong Teves,” Clavano said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

(As of today, actually, as of yesterday, the 15 days have lapsed since the court decided to cancel his passport. So after 15 days, that decision becomes final and executory. So as of today, Mr. Teves’ passport has been canceled.)

READ: Teves: Suspect, ‘terrorist,’ now expelled lawmaker

A Manila Court canceled Teves’ passport earlier in February due to his continuous evasion of the law. Teves faces multiple charges concerning the killing of his political rival, the late provincial governor Roel Degamo.

READ: Manila court cancels passport of ex-Negros Oriental Rep. Teves

Teves is reportedly in East Timor seeking political asylum.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has previously spoken to East Timor President José Manuel Ramos regarding Teves. Ramos promised that his government would cooperate with the Philippine government.

Clavano, however, said that the countries has no extradition treaty, which means that East Timor is not obligated to turn over Teves to the Philippines.