The Philippine government has expressed surprise over the decision of the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals to block the extradition of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr.  

"Medyo nagulat po ang administrasyon, lalong-lalo na po ang DOJ patungkol po dito (The administration, especially the Department of Justice, was somewhat surprised about this)," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Friday morning, March 21.

According to Castro, the Philippine government has submitted all necessary evidence and legal documents to support the extradition request.

The DOJ has also assured the Timor-Leste court that Teves would not face the death penalty or any form of inhumane treatment if returned to the Philippines. The Timor-Leste appeals court there was a well-founded risk that Teves would be subjected to torture, inhuman, degrading, or cruel treatment.

"Kahit naman po sa Constitution po natin ay bawal 'yan (That is prohibited even in our Constitution)," Castro said.

"Noong sila po ay naglahad ng kanilang mga ebidensya, ang ating administrasyon, through DOJ, ipinakita po natin ang lahat ng mga ito ay hindi mangyayari sa ating administration (When the government, through the DOJ, presented evidence, they showed that none of those things would happen to Teves under the current administration)," she added.

The Palace Press Officer questioned the reversal of an earlier decision that initially favored Teves' extradition.

"Nagtaka rin po dahil sa pangalawang beses po ay talaga nag-grant po yung petition natin for extradition (They were also puzzled because, for the second time, our petition for extradition was actually granted)," she said.

Despite this, Castro said President Marcos left the matter to the DOJ, which said they would appeal Timor Leste's decision.

According to Castro, the court's decision is a setback for the ongoing investigation against Teves, who has been accused of masterminding the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March 2023, and other crimes.

Teves has also been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) in 2023 and is facing multiple criminal charges before the courts.

"Malaki po ang magiging impact po nito, considering na may mga diumanong biktima na nag-complain naman laban po kay dating Congressman Teves (This will have a hugh impact, considering there are complaints against Teves)," Castro said.

"Hanggang makakaya ng administrasyon, ilalaban po rin natin ito para po sa hustisya sa mga diumanong biktima (The administration will seek justice for the alleged victims for as long as it can)," she added.

Teves flew to Timor Leste in 2023 and sought political asylum, which was initially denied before the latest court ruling halted his extradition.