The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals (CA) denied the Motion for Reconsideration filed by former Congressman Arnulfo Teves seeking to bar his extradition.
The DOJ said it received an official update from the Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste on Wednesday night.
In a statement sent to the reporters, the DOJ said they “recognize the importance of this decision and are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process.”
The agency assured that “further details will be provided soon.”
Teves is facing murder charges before Philippine courts in connection with the killing of then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last year.
The former lawmaker has been under the custody of Timor Leste police since his arrest in March based on the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice.
In June, said appellate court has already granted the request of Philippine government to extradite Teves.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the denial is “a significant step forward” in the quest for justice.
“This decision underscores that justice proceeds irrespective of an individual’s status,” he said.
