The Department of Justice (DOJ) was in high spirits after it secured the approval of a Timor-Leste court to extradite the fugitive and expelled lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr., so he can finally stand trial for multiple murders in the Philippines, but his lawyer quickly tried to downplay this development.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a statement declared that the impending extradition of Teves is a “victory” not only for the DOJ, but also “the entire Philippines and for every single Filipino who believes that our criminal justice is truly working.”
“Teves’ hide and seek tactics have come to an end, he can no longer evade the legal consequences of his actions and should answer the charges fair and square,” Remulla said. “Teves will now have his day in court, face his long-delayed trial and prove his innocence, if indeed he is innocent.”
For his part, DOJ Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said the government looks forward to the arrival of the former Negros Oriental representative, “so that he may finally face the charges against him in our local courts.”
The embattled former legislator is facing murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder charges, in connection with the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo last year.
Remulla also thanked Timor-Leste for its judicious decision.
Sought for comment in light of this development, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said “not so fast,” essentially spoiling the high hopes of the DOJ on the immediate extradition of the former lawmaker.
“You have not won. Not by a long shot,” Topacio said, adding “for one, the judgment is still appealable, a recourse that we have every intention of taking.” He noted that the application for political asylum of the fugitive lawmaker is still pending.
According to Topacio, even if the government were able to bring Teves back to the country, “you will still have to prove him guilty in the face of recantations by all witnesses previously against him, who were tortured and intimidated into testifying falsely against him.”
“You still have to defend your planted evidence, in light of the recent rulings of the courts revealing their bogus nature and the admission to bail of Mr. Teves’ co-accused on the ground of weak evidence,” Topacio stated.
Derisively, Topacio further undermined the efforts of the DOJ, bringing the case of former Senator Leila de Lima into the conversation. “I wouldn’t gloat if I were you. Your department couldn’t even win an open-and-shut case against De Lima because you deliberately dropped the ball.”
“All you can do is convict rape victims,” the lawyer said. “Convict Mr. Teves with finality first. Then and only then can you say you have won. I don’t think you’ll be in the DOJ long enough to do that,” Topacio stated.
On Thursday night, the DOJ confirmed that the Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals has granted the Philippines’ request for the extradition of Teves.
Last week, Timor-Leste released Teves from house arrest, while the court resolved the request of the Philippine government to extradite the former lawmaker.
Citing a report from the Timorese Central Authority, Clavano explained that fugitives like Teves could only be detained for a maximum of 90 days under Timorese laws. But Clavano clarified that the release of the embattled lawmaker is subject to close monitoring.
The DOJ official said Timor-Leste authorities were likewise ordered to secure all borders air, land and sea to ensure Teves will not get out of Dili, which is the capital of Timor Leste.
