Mayor Janice Degamo criticized the Timorese court’s decision to reject the extradition of Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, the alleged mastermind behind her husband’s murder. The Philippine government plans to appeal the ruling, reinforcing its commitment to justice. Teves faces multiple serious charges linked to the death of Governor Degamo and others. Discontent regarding the court’s decision reflects underlying concerns about judicial integrity in Timor-Leste.
In Dumaguete City, the widow of the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Mayor Janice Degamo of Pamplona, has expressed displeasure regarding the recent ruling by a Timorese court that denied the extradition of expelled Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves. She characterized the decision as “peculiar and difficult to understand” and hinted at potential external influences affecting the court’s judgment.
Janice Degamo’s social media remarks included concerns about the integrity of the Timorese judicial system, stating, “We cannot avoid but think that the court in Timor-Leste can also be influenced by some people.” While she could not be reached for direct comment, she conveyed confidence in the Philippine government’s efforts to return Teves to face justice.
Specifically, she stated her belief in the government’s capability to bring Teves back for trial, emphasizing her intent to meet with Justice Secretary Boying Remulla to gain clarity on the situation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has articulated its commitment to challenging the court’s decision, emphasizing the reckless nature of the ruling against Teves’s serious charges, which include multiple counts of murder.
In its ruling, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals referenced constitutional provisions preventing extradition under circumstances that could endanger the extraditee’s safety, despite Teves’s serious allegations. Remulla described the Timorese legal system as still developing and contestable, asserting that the ruling lacked a valid basis, particularly regarding the Philippines’ abolition of the death penalty in 2006.
Additionally, Claire Castro, a spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, reiterated that the Philippine government would ensure Teves would not suffer mistreatment upon his potential return, voicing intentions to challenge the Timorese court’s decision. Castro acknowledged the ramifications this decision may have on unresolved cases against Teves, thus reinforcing the administration’s commitment to achieving justice for the victims involved in the Degamo assassination.
Teves faces numerous serious charges related to the March 4, 2023, murder of Governor Degamo and others. Following the assassination, multiple suspects linked Teves to the crime but later recanted their statements, an escalation resulting in Teves’s expulsion from Congress and his eventual arrest while in Timor-Leste. He maintains his innocence against all accusations and remains a central figure in pending legal matters.
In conclusion, the rejection of the extradition request for Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves by a Timorese court has sparked significant criticism from Mayor Janice Degamo, who worries about potential judicial influence. The Philippine government, led by the DOJ, is actively pursuing remedies against this ruling. This situation underscores the complexities surrounding extradition laws and the broader implications for justice in high-profile criminal cases.
Original Source: globalnation.inquirer.net
