MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed on Thursday that during his courtesy visit to Timor Leste on October 1, he discussed with President Jose Ramos Horta the possibility of corruption obstructing the extradition of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
Remulla’s meeting with Horta also touched on the potential risks of allowing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to move their operations 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 remarked.
He also warned the Timor Leste government about possible misconduct by local lawyers that could further delay Teves’ extradition. The case is currently before the Timor Leste Court of Appeals, which has caused significant delays in the process.
Teves faces multiple murder charges in a Manila court related to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
Remulla shared concerns with President Horta about Timor Leste potentially becoming a new hub for POGOs, emphasizing the challenges that POGOs brought to the Philippines, including crime, regulatory evasion, and threats to public safety.
“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 Department of Justice said in a statement on Wednesday.
This statement followed comments from Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, who questioned a government-chartered aircraft’s round trip from Davao to Timor Leste. Topacio inquired if Remulla was among the passengers and whether public funds were used for the trip.
“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.