'Asylum still an option for Teves'
FUGITIVE former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. can still apply for political asylum in Timor-Leste, his lawyer said.
Ferdinand Topacio, lead counsel of Teves, issued the statement after the Department of Justice (DoJ) said that a Timor-Leste court had granted the Philippine government's request for Teves' extradition.
«We have won. We look forward to the arrival of Mr. Teves so that he may finally face the charges against him in our local courts,» the DoJ said in a statement, noting the information was relayed by no less than the Attorney-General of Timor-Leste.
Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr. Contributed Photo«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,» Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
«Teves will now have his day in court, face his long-delayed trial and prove his innocence if indeed he is innocent,» he added.
Topacio said that even if Teves was extradited, the Philippine government still has to prove him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Advertisement«So, I wouldn't gloat if I were you. Your department couldn't even win an open-and-shut case against [former senator Leila] de Lima because you deliberately dropped the ball. All you can do is convict rape victims,» Topacio said.
«Convict Mr. Teves first with finality. Then and only then can you say you have won,» he added.
Teves is facing murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo last year.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, welcomed the development.
Advertisement«My fight for justice has been a truly harrowing experience, with constant threats on my life by members of the Teves Terrorist Group (TTG), horrific online attacks from TTG trolls and continual sleepless nights grieving the memory of Roel,» she said in a social media post.
«But it was the memory of Roel and his undying love for his fellow Negrenses that keeps pushing me to fight. I will not be silent as the men who murdered my husband continue to terrorize our province,» she added.
