The Department of Justice (DOJ) bared that former and current government officials are set to testify in the ongoing extradition hearings against former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. in Timor-Leste.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez also said the witnesses include former Supreme Court associate justice Francis Jardeleza, Bureau of Corrections Director General Pio Gregorio Catapang, Jr., National Amnesty Commission Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento and Presidential Human Rights Committee Undersecretary Nonoy Catura.
The DOJ disclosed its witnesses following the revelation of lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, that aside from himself, former Commission on Human Rights commissioner Wilhelm Soriano and former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo would testify for Teves.
Vasquez, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said the witnesses would testify on the allegations of poor human rights protection in the Philippines, lack of fair and impartial trials, safety threats, and torture fears. “
“At the end of the day, it is fair and it is an impartial trial by a fair and impartial judge, and that is our justice system… Our Constitution is so pro-accused we have rights of the accused under the Bill of Rights and it is high time for Teves to face the charges against him and not use the media to prove his innocence,” Vasquez said.