Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. will appeal his extradition case, his legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio said Friday, June 28.
“The judgment is still appealable, a recourse that we intend to take,” Topacio told reporters after the Timor-Leste court granted Thursday the Philippines’ request for extradition.
“Then we still have the option of political asylum,” he added, without providing other details as to when they intend to file legal remedies.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in connection with the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that killed Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed gratitude to Timor-Leste for its judicious decision.
“Teves will now have his day in court, face his long-delayed trial and prove his innocence if indeed he is innocent,” Remulla said in a statement.
“Teves’ hide and seek tactics have come to an end, he can no longer evade the legal consequences of his actions and should answer the charges fair and square,” he added.*PNA