Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. gives a statement regarding alleged threats his camp discovered back in January. Courtesy of Arnolfo Teves Jr. Facebook page/File

MANILA — The Department of Justice said it has received an order from Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 for the immediate cancellation of the passport of expelled congressman Arnulfo Teves, Jr., who is facing murder charges for the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and others.

“The court's decision comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Mr. Teves who is facing multiple murder charges and has been declared a fugitive from justice,” the DOJ said in a statement.

Apart from the cancellation of Teves' passport the court also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to facilitate Teves' return to the Philippines "so that he can be dealt with in accordance with law."

The fugitive former congressman, who has denied the allegations against him, was last seen in Timor Leste.

Arnie Teves: From self-confessed reformed drug user to expelled lawmaker

"The pursuit of justice remains steadfast and unyielding. We will not allow individuals charged with heinous crimes to evade the legal process," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in the DOJ statement.

In a separate statement, Teves' lawyer Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said "there is still an entire slew of legal remedies available to us in order to reverse [the order], and we fully intend to resort to all of them.

RIGHT TO TRAVEL CAN BE RESTRICTED

According to a copy of the order, the court found that Teves "is indeed a fugitive from justice" whose right to travel can be restricted in the interest of public safety.

It also noted the resolution of the Anti-Terrorism Council designating Teves and his armed group as “terrorist individuals” who are part of a “terrorist group of persons, organization or association”.

Petitions filed at the Supreme Court against the Ant-Terrorism Act had raised concerns on the constitutionality of terrorist designation by a council composed of agencies in the executive branch.

The Supreme Court, in a December 2021 decision, left the controversial law mostly intact.

“According to the Anti-Terrorism Council several killings or harassment occurred in the province of Negros Oriental with the purpose of intimidating the general public resulting in an atmosphere of fear that affected the personal life and liberty of the residents,” the court also said in its order.

Remulla raises ‘rendition, handing over’ of Teves with Timor-Leste president

It added that the prosecution has presented "strong evidence" suggesting Teves was the mastermind of the Degamo killing.

'FLIGHT FRUSTRATES COURSE OF JUSTICE'

The court said that “in the normal course of events”, an accused is either arrested or surrenders when a warrant is issued for their arrest.

“Not in this case. Accused Teves Jr., in utter disregard of the court and willfull disregard of the law, refuses to yield,” it also said, adding the refusal to face the cases “continues to frustrate the ends of justice.”

The court also said that Teves cannot seek relief from it because he has yet to subject himself to its jurisdiction.

"As such, prosecution aptly pointed out that his counsel has no standing in court is not entitles to be furnished a copy of the Motion to Cancel Passport," it said.

RELATED VIDEO