Timor-Leste parliament probes Teves’ handover to Phl

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel for expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., revealed Thursday that the Parliament of Timor-Leste is investigating how the Philippine government was able to take custody of Teves despite a final and executory court ruling there denying his extradition.

Topacio made the disclosure during a Zoom interview with reporters following Teves' arraignment in Manila, saying the case has taken a legal twist as Timorese lawmakers now scrutinize his client's repatriation.

“During arraignment, Teves refused to enter a plea because of certain legal complications in Timor-Leste. So the court entered a plea of not guilty for him, and the pretrial ensued,” Topacio said.

         The Timor-Leste government’s executive branch according to Topacio, llegedly ignored the final and executory decision, and the writ of habeas corpus that was granted in Teves’ favor.

According to Topacio, Timor-Leste’s executive branch allegedly disregarded a court decision and a writ of habeas corpus granted in Teves’ favor.

“The Parliament of Timor-Leste is investigating why Mr. Teves was turned over notwithstanding the existence of a final and executory court judgment… and the issue of the writ of habeas corpus,” he said.

Topacio emphasized that Teves’ refusal to enter a plea reflected unresolved jurisdictional concerns and protested what he described as the “illegal” nature of his client’s return to the Philippines.

He clarified that while they are not seeking to suspend the trial, the circumstances surrounding Teves' repatriation remain legally significant. “This is an extraterritorial incident, so we do not believe that we can plead it as a defense in abatement. It is just to prove a point that we still hold the opinion that there was something rotten… regarding the return of Teves,” he said.

Topacio added that the refusal to enter a plea was a “symbolic act” and a protest against the conduct of the Philippine executive branch.

He said it is a legal act insofar as the government of Timor-Leste is concerned and it is an act of protest against the actuations of the Philippine government, especially the executive branch.

Teves faces multiple murder and terrorism-related charges in the Philippines, including the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others — allegations he continues to deny.