MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday he discussed with Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta the possibility of corruption getting in the way of the extradition of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr.

Remulla was on a “courtesy visit” to Timor Leste last October 1.

He discussed with Horta the extradition of Teves as well as  dangers posed by the possible transfer of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs to Timor Leste.

“So we were talking about it na kapag pinayagan nila mangyari ‘yan, baka mamaya ‘yung kanilang legacy — these guys are 75, 78 years old, ‘yung mga lumaban ng revolution ng Timor Leste — baka naman mawala ‘yung legacy nila,” Remulla said.

Remulla warned the Timor Leste government on possible abuses committed by local lawyers.

The extradition of Teves is undergoing “new proceedings” before the Timor Leste Court of Appeals, causing delays in the process.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges before a Manila court for the death of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

“We’re telling them, as friends, we don’t want this to happening to you, kami nga we have more than a 100 years of legal tradition in this country but this still happens. Paano sila ngayon, bata pa lang, ayun na yung nangyayari,” Remulla said.

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PHILIPPINES' POGO EXPERIENCE

Remulla also relayed to Horta the challenges posed by the possible entry of gambling as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs reportedly eyed Timor Leste.  

“Secretary Remulla took the opportunity to detail the difficulties encountered by the Philippines during the tenure of POGO operations, including issues related to crime, regulatory evasion, and potential threats to public safety,” the DOJ said in statement on Wednesday. 

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The DOJ issued the statement following an official statement from the Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who inquired about an aircraft chartered by the Philippine government for a round trip flight from Davao to Timor Leste and back.

Topacio asked if Remulla was one of the eight or nine passengers and if public funds were used. 

“The public has a right to know because of the public nature of Sec. Remulla's office, because public funds may have been expended and because, if private funds were involved, that there may be a violation of the laws on public accountability,” Topacio said.