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Teves to appeal extradition order
By Nidz Godino
“According to expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. Timor-Leste lawyers, process is still ongoing…and that there is principle in their law that says if there is pending political asylum application, notwithstanding any extradition request, person cannot be extradited because it would render application for political asylum moot and academic,” expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio, he will appeal extradition order issued against him by Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste.
“Judgment is still appealable, recourse that we have every intention of taking… then we still have option of political asylum,” Topacio said in a text message to reporters.
Topacio made statement after Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed country’s request for extradition against Teves had been granted by Timorese court.
Topacio said they have 30 days from notice to appeal decision based on Article 300 of Code of Civil Procedure of Timor-Leste.
Topacio also claimed that Teves “cannot be extradited yet” while his request for political asylum in Timor-Leste is pending.
However, at separate press conference, DOJ said motion for reconsideration filed by camp of Teves for political asylum had already been denied.
“Political asylum was the first recourse that was availed of by former congressman Teves… denied,” DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said.
“They filed for motion for reconsideration, this was denied as well…so to our minds, as lawyers, that is the end of the rope for that particular aspect,” he stressed.
DOJ also expressed confidence that appeal to be filed by Teves on his extradition order would be denied by Timorese court.
While in Timor-Leste, Vasquez added that Timorese authorities could arrest Teves as an “undocumented alien.”
He noted, however, that arresting Teves would be policy decision on the part of Timor-Leste authorities.
“Once he is arrested, he will not be arrested because of extradition proceedings but because of his being undocumented…and what would be his status…he would be immigration detainee,” Vasquez explained.
Vasquez said preparations are underway for eventual return of Teves.
Meanwhile, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo said Teves should expect more criminal cases to be filed against him once he is brought back to the country.
Degamo, widow of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, said more victims of Teves’ alleged atrocities are willing to come out and file charges against lawmaker once he is put in jail.
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