The Philippine government expressed its disappointment over the decision of Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals to deny its request to extradite dismissed Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., hinting on its impact on the country’s bid to be a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Arnie Teves Jr. (Photo from Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo Pacebook page)
According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza, Timor-Leste failed to show “enough trust” in the Philippines’ ability to deliver justice in Teves’ case.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder under the Revised Penal Code, for the killing of then-Governor Roel Degamo and several others in 2023.
“We are disappointed that Timor Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of the ASEAN which it seeks to join, and among the very first ASEAN member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” Daza said in a message to DFA reporters.
The DFA official stressed that while Timor-Leste’s application is dependent on its compliance with the ASEAN’s Roadmap for full membership and accession to the ASEAN Charter, she noted that “it (Timor-Leste) 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.”
Membership to the ASEAN is reliant on a State’s compliance with the criteria, as well as to the unanimous agreement of all 10 existing members.
Earlier, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said “it’s not going to be pleasant for Timor-Leste” as he shared that the DFA is now in talks with the Southeast Asian nation after its Court approved Teves’ appeal to block the Philippines’ request to extradite him.
The DOJ chief added that the Philippines plans to file a motion for reconsideration, and reminded Timor-Leste that Teves is an undocumented Filipino who is accused of crimes in the Philippines.