Timor-Leste court concludes hearings on Teves extradition; ruling expected end of this month

The Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste has terminated its hearings on the extradition case filed by the Philippine government against expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday, July 18.

In a statement, the DOJ said the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals has given the parties time to submit their respective memorandum/position papers outlining their arguments and position.

"Submission is sequential not simultaneous. Timor-Leste Central Authority will have to submit first its memorandum/position paper followed by Teves camp," the DOJ said.

It also said: "The Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste, therafter, will have five days to render its decision.  It is anticipated that the decision will come by or close to the end of June."

“The DOJ is optimistic that a favorable decision will be made by the Court of Appeals, particularly as our witnesses were able to effectively counter the arguments raised by the camp of Teves,” the DOJ said.

However, Teves' lawyer Ferdinand Topacio expressed hope that the Court of Appeals will not grant the extradition request of the Philippines. 

"We gave it our best shot, and hope and pray that the East Timor court would follow what is in the Constitution, without regard to the diplomatic pressure that the Philippine government has been exerting," Topacio said.

Teves, who has been placed under house arrest by the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste, was arrested last March 21 by local law enforcers after the International Criminal Police (Interpol) issued a red notice against him.

The Philippines has sought the extradition of Teves so he could face criminal charges in connection with the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental where 10 persons were killed including provincial governor Roel Degamo.

The trial court has issued an arrest order against Teves whose Philippine passport had been cancelled.