Teves deportation thumbed down by Timor-Leste court

The Timor-Leste Court of Appeal has denied the Philippine government’s request for the extradition of former Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., reversing its previous rulings that had favored his extradition.

Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed yesterday the Department of Justice (DoJ) had been informed of the adverse ruling on the 2 December 2024 decision of the court.

Clavano reacted to the decision, saying, “While the office has yet to receive an official copy of the ruling, the DoJ is both surprised and deeply disappointed by this development.”

He noted that it was peculiar for the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal to reverse its ruling after twice deciding in favor of extradition — first in June 2024 and again in December 2024.

“This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification for the basis of this decision,” Clavano said.

“We reiterate our firm request for cooperation in this matter. Mr. Teves is facing serious charges, including multiple counts of murder, and must be brought home to face the full force of the law. Allowing him to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but also to the integrity of the rule of law,” he added.

The DoJ official stressed the case is not just a legal issue but a matter of justice.

“The Philippine government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the principles of due process. We call on all authorities concerned to respect our legal processes and uphold international cooperation in the pursuit of justice,” he said.

Clavano assured that the government would not stop pursuing Teves and would explore all legal remedies to ensure that justice is served. He said the DoJ would provide updates once it receives the official decision and determines its next steps.

Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ lawyer, described the development as “a triumph of the rule of law and an indictment of the kind of government we currently have.”

Topacio described the Philippine government as “one that ignores the Constitution and the laws of the republic in its brazen desire to silence political dissent and destroy the legitimate political opposition.”

Topacio described the cases as “trumped-up charges fabricated by the oppressive and dictatorial Marcos government,” likening it to the charges former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“The recent events, wherein the government has again run roughshod over the laws of the land by kidnapping a former president of the republic without due process and in contravention of the legal system, validate the TL court’s decision that those targeted for political assassination in the Philippines cannot get a fair trial under its now heavily corrupted executive branch,” Topacio said.

Topacio congratulated his counterpart lawyers in Timor-Leste — Lisensiados Duarte and Jose Pedro Sousa, Dr. Ximenes, and others who formed the so-called Tanggol Teves Team — for their “unwavering faith in the justness of our cause.”

“Finally, we are confident that at the proper time, after the present kakistocracy has run its course, our client’s innocence shall be proven in an impartial and unbiased atmosphere of justice,” he said.