The Philippines has expressed “disappointment” over Timor-Leste’s refusal to extradite expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., despite Timor-Leste’s ongoing bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Timor-Leste had not shown “enough trust” in the Philippine justice system—an approach that contradicts the principles of ASEAN membership.
“We are disappointed that Timor-Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of ASEAN which it seeks to join, and among the very first ASEAN member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” the DFA said.
“While its application is dependent on its compliance with the roadmap for full membership in ASEAN and its accession to the ASEAN Charter, it should also be able to demonstrate that it shares the spirit of trust and cooperation that ASEAN member states accord one another, not only within the framework of ASEAN, but also in their bilateral relations,” it added.
The Philippines, a founding member of ASEAN, is one of the 10 countries that must unanimously approve an applicant country’s membership.
Earlier, Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla warned that Timor-Leste’s refusal to extradite Teves could negatively impact its ASEAN membership bid.
“It is not going to be pleasant for Timor-Leste because they’re applying to be in ASEAN, and we are one of the founding fathers of ASEAN,” Remulla said.
He also argued that the issue should have been a straightforward deportation case, as Teves is an undocumented Filipino facing criminal charges.
“His passport has been canceled; all they have to do is deport him. For them to address certain matters that are intrinsically local to us is a big stretch,” Remulla stated.