The Timor-Leste parliament is conducting a probe on how the Philippine government was able to take custody of expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. despite a final and executory ruling from the courts rejecting his extradition.

In a Zoom interview with reporters shortly after Teves’ arraignment in Manila on Thursday, Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’s counsel, said the case has taken a legal turn, with Teves’s repatriation being scrutinized by the Timorese legislature.

Topacio, Teves’ counsel, said the case has taken a legal turn, with Teves’ repatriation being scrutinized by the Timorese legislature.

“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, allegedly ignored the final and executory decision, and the writ of habeas corpus that was granted in Teves’ favor.

He said, “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 writ of habeas corpus.”

Asked the implication of Teves not entering a plea, Topacio said it reflects unresolved jurisdictional concerns over what he described as the “illegal” nature of his client’s return.

He said the implication is that they still have pending questions with respect to the jurisdiction of the court, considering that it is their stand that the handover to the executive branch of the Timor-Leste government and the subsequent repatriation of Teves were illegal acts.

The lawyer, on the other hand, clarified they are not seeking to suspend the trial but stressed that the circumstances surrounding Teves’ return remain relevant as a point of principle and legal concern.

He explained, “This is an extra-territorial incident so we do not believe that we can plead that 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.”

Topacio said that refusing to enter a plea was a “symbolic act” and a form of protest against what he described as the Philippine executive branch’s questionable conduct.

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 those linked to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, though he has denied all allegations.