‘New proceedings’ seen to delay Teves’ extradition

Expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. —File photo

MANILA, Philippines — The anticipated return of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. to the Philippines faces further delay as his extradition case in Timor-Leste must undergo “new proceedings,” the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the DOJ said Teves’ legal team had challenged the Timorese court’s extradition decision, citing procedural concerns about the number of judges involved.

“This is a clear afterthought, raised only after the proceedings concluded unfavorably for him,” the DOJ noted.

READ: Extradition ruling vs Teves not canceled out – DOJ

It added that Teves and his legal team had been fully engaged in the process and given every opportunity to present their case.

Their objections, according to the DOJ, only surfaced after they failed to secure a favorable outcome.

When asked about the upcoming proceedings, DOJ spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV explained: “The same evidence will be presented, but this time, before three judges.”

Teves is accused of masterminding the killing of his political rival, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, in March 2023. He is facing multiple charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder, but he evaded arrest because he was in the United States at that time on medical leave.

The lawmaker was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023 after he repeatedly ignored its orders for him to come home and face the case against him. On March 21 this year, he was arrested in Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, while playing golf.

On June 27, the DOJ announced that the Court of Appeals in Timor-Leste had granted the Philippine government’s extradition request for Teves.

A month later, it said his appeal to overturn the extradition was denied, citing information from Timor-Leste’s Prosecutor General.

Topacio’s claim

However, Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said on Saturday this decision had been “nullified”—a claim denied by the DOJ.

“Contrary to these claims, the proper court in Timor-Leste has already ruled, based on the merits, that Mr. Teves should be extradited to the Philippines,” the DOJ said.

Despite the need for further hearings, the DOJ remained confident the new trial would yield the same result.

“The legal merits are clear, and we expect Mr. Teves will face justice in the Philippines soon, given the strong evidence against him regarding multiple serious charges, including the murder of Governor Degamo,” it added.