Former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. From Arnie A. Teves Congressman 3rd District Negros Oriental Facebook page

MANILA (UPDATED) Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. will not be extradited from Timor-Leste, according to his lawyer.

In a photo of a document shared with the media by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, one of the lawyers of Teves,  the court “unanimously” granted their appeal.

The court noted the “well-founded risk of being subjected to torture, inhuman and degrading or cruel treatment” as the reason to reject the extradition. 

In a statement, the Department of Justice said it has been informed of an “adverse ruling” of the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal.

The DOJ said it has yet to receive an official copy of the ruling.

The department noted that it is “peculiar” that after having twice decided in favor of extradition—first in June 2024 and in December 2024— the court reversed its stance.

“This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision,” the DOJ said.

In their earlier manifestations before the court, the camp of Teves argued the supposed persecution of the former congressman in the Philippines, which the government denied. 

“For the foregoing reasons, the plenary of judges of the Court of Appeal unanimously decides to grant the appeal and, consequently, on the basis of Article 35(3) of the Constitution of the Democactic Republic of East Timor, to refuse the request for the extradition of Arnolfo Alipit Teves Junior, revoking the contested decision,” the court said. 

In a statement, Topacio congratulated his counterpart lawyers in Timor Leste -- Lisensiados Duarte and Jose Pedro Sousa, Dr. Ximenes.

“Finally, we are confident that at the proper time, after the present kakistocracy has run its course, that our client's innocence shall be shown in an impartial and unbiased atmosphere of justice,” Topacio said.

The DOJ however said it will not stop and will explore all legal remedies as it reiterated its request for cooperation from the Timor-Leste government.

Teves still in Timor Leste, awaiting outcome of extradition appeal: lawyer

DOJ says Timor-Leste granted extradition of Teves for second time

In June last year, the DOJ announced that the extradition request of the Philippines was granted by the Timor-Leste government. 

Teves is facing multiple murder cases in connection with the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and other individuals in 2023.