Teves lawyer Topacio petitions to halt Timor-Leste deportation

The legal team of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. has filed a habeas corpus petition in Timor-Leste, aiming to compel authorities to justify his sudden arrest and planned deportation to the Philippines.

“If the writ is granted, the authorities must explain why Teves is being held, and on what basis they plan to deport him,” said Teves’ legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, who is also a columnist for DAILY TRIBUNE, citing Timor-Leste’s constitutional provisions that make judicial decisions mandatory and binding.

Teves, who has been seeking political asylum in the country, was arrested Tuesday night in Dili by Timor-Leste's immigration police along with his local lawyer, Dr. Joao Serra. Both were being held at the Ministry of the Interior compound as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Topacio.

Topacio said no arrest warrant was presented and no formal reason was given for Teves’ detention.

“This is why his lawyers are questioning the arrest before the Timorese courts, arguing that any deportation would amount to circumventing the final and executory court decisions denying the Philippine government’s extradition requests,” he added.

A second legal remedy — a “cautelar writ” under Portuguese-based Timorese law — is also being explored to stop any attempt to fly Teves out of Timor-Leste.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges in the Philippines, including his alleged involvement in the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. However, Timor-Leste’s courts have previously denied the extradition request, citing “grave danger” to Teves’ safety, potential torture, and the risk of unfair legal proceedings.

Topacio asserted that while Teves is technically an undocumented alien due to his canceled Philippine passport, he remains protected under international asylum laws. He stressed that forced removal would violate both Timor-Leste’s constitutional provisions and global human rights standards.

“If he is sent back, of course, we are ready to defend him here,” Topacio said. “But we remain confident, especially now that many of the witnesses have recanted, that the government’s case is very weak.”

Topacio confirmed that Teves’ application for political asylum in Timor-Leste is still pending.