Metro Manila, Philippines– The period of appeal given to former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves by the Timor Leste Court of Appeals will be “expiring soon,” Department of Justice said on Tuesday, July 22
The court gave Teves 30 days to appeal the decision that granted the extradition request of the Philippine government. The decision was handed down on June 27.
“We expect him to file his motion for reconsideration, but the Philippine government is very confident this will be denied on the grounds that were explained very thoroughly and comprehensively by the Timor Leste government,” said Justice spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano in an interview with NewsWatch Plus.
He said the Timor Leste government has no Supreme Court now and is not yet functional.
“Wala pa pong na-aapoint na justices ng kanilang Supreme Court,” said Clavano.
[Translation: No one has been appointed yet as Supreme Court justices in Timor Leste]
“After this recourse that the former congressman may take there is no more elevation or appeal to a higher tribunal,” said Clavano.
He said the decision of the appellate court will be decided sooner than later.
“Within maybe a week is what we’re looking at and from then on we can finally plan his extradition, deportation or repatriation, back to the Philippines,” said Clavano.
Teves is facing murder charges for the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in 2023.
The former lawmaker and 12 others have also been tagged as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
