A Timorese court denied the Philippine government’s request to extradite expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., a decision the Department of Justice (DOJ) described Thursday as “peculiar and legally improbable.”
In a March 20 ruling written in Portuguese, the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste unanimously granted Teves’ appeal, refusing the extradition request, according to an English translation provided by his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio.
The court cited Article 35(3) of Timor-Leste’s Constitution, which prohibits extradition if there is a “well-founded risk of torture, inhuman, degrading, or cruel treatment.”
The DOJ confirmed it was aware of the decision but had yet to receive an official copy.
The agency, however, expressed surprise and disappointment, noting the court had previously ruled twice in favor of extradition — in June and December 2024 — before making a sudden reversal.
“It is peculiar that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals has now taken a complete 180-degree turn, rejecting the Philippines’ extradition request,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The DOJ emphasized the need for cooperation, knowing Teves is facing serious charges.
“Allowing him to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but to the integrity of the rule of law,” DOJ added.
Teves is accused of masterminding the killing of his political rival, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, in March 2023.
