DILI, 30 May 2025 (TATOLI) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. must now face the criminal charges pending against him before the Manila Regional Trial Court.
“It is now time for Mr. Teves to face justice,” President Marcos said in a video message aired shortly after a Philippine Air Force plane carrying Teves made a refueling stop in Davao City en route to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Marcos revealed he was first informed of Teves’ impending return by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão during the ASEAN Summit held earlier this week in Kuala Lumpur: “He (Gusmão) shared that Timor-Leste was ready to send former Congressman Teves back to the Philippines,” President Marcos said.”
He also acknowledged the crucial role played by Timor-Leste’s leadership in facilitating Teves’ arrest and return to the Philippines.
“This would not have happened without the assistance of President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmão,” President Marcos added. “They worked very hard to bring this matter to a conclusion.”
Teves is facing multiple criminal charges, including the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several murder cases dating back to 2019.
“We want to assure the public that lawlessness will not go unpunished,” Marcos emphasized.
Teves was deported on Thursday, May 29, 2025, following an administrative decision by Timor-Leste’s Ministry of the Interior. After departing Timor-Leste at around 3:00 p.m., the Philippine Air Force plane carrying Teves made a brief refueling stop in Davao City before landing at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at approximately 11:25 p.m.
TATOLI
