The camp of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is expected to exhaust the 30-day period to appeal the decision of Timor Leste’s court approving the Philippine government’s request for his extradition, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday, July 3.
“They (Teves’ counsel) have a total of 30 days to file their motion for reconsideration which started June 27. We foresee, as an accused, they will try to exhaust yung full period. We are ready for whatever is the decision of the Timor Leste Court of Appeals,” DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said.
Clavano, meanwhile, said the Philippine law enforcement agencies have a team that is ready to fly to Timor Leste to bring Teves back to Manila once the appeal has been finally resolved by the Timor Leste government.
“This is a very new process to Timor-Leste. This is the first time that they will ever extradite somebody from their country. So we are coordinating very closely with the Timor-Leste officials,” he said.
Teves faces murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder charges in connection with the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo last year.*PNA