The government plans to appeal the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision rejecting its request to extradite former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnulfo Teves Jr., Malacañang said Friday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration was surprised by the ruling, particularly since the Department of Justice (DOJ) had submitted extensive evidence supporting the extradition request.
“The DOJ ensured all necessary documents and evidence were provided, including proof that the death penalty is suspended in the Philippines,” Castro said.
According to Castro, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed that the Philippines will appeal the ruling, taking the case back to the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals.
The court in Timor-Leste denied the extradition on the grounds that its constitution prohibits extradition if the individual faces a “well-founded risk of being subjected to torture, inhumane, degrading or cruel treatment.”
Castro maintained that such treatment is prohibited under the Constitution and reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding human rights.
“Our administration demonstrated that no such violations would occur. The DOJ is puzzled by the reversal of the initial court decision that favored extradition,” Castro said.
Teves, a former lawmaker accused of involvement in the killing of a provincial governor, has denied the allegations.
The Philippine government has been pursuing his extradition since his arrest in Timor-Leste.
Moreover, Castro said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has deferred to the DOJ on the matter, leaving the legal strategy in its hands.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philippines to appeal Timor-Leste ruling on Teves extradition.”