DOJ: Teves to be extradited soon

Former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — It will not be too long before expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. is extradited to the Philippines, Department of Justice Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Mico Clavano IV said on Saturday.

Clavano said Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta himself wanted to send Teves back to the country.

“Ang President ng Timor-Leste mismo na si Jose Ramos-Horta mentioned na it will not be too long before he [Teves] will go home,” Clavano said at the Saturday News Forum.

(The President of Timor-Leste himself, Jose Ramos-Horta, mentioned that it will not be too long before he [Teves] goes home.)

The Court of Appeals in Timor-Leste last June granted the Philippine government’s request to extradite Teves, who is facing a murder trial over the killing of then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Clavano added that local authorities hope to execute the extradition after the papal visit in Timor-Leste set on September 9 to 11.

In a statement last August 28, the Department of Justice said the motion for reconsideration filed by the camp of Teves against his extradition has been denied.

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