The Department of Justice (DOJ) called out the camp of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. to stop 'dilly-dallying' and just deal with the charges filed against the former congressman.
In a press release on Wednesday, the DOJ said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla strongly advised Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of Teves, to act accordingly as an officer of the court.
Remulla said that Topacio should avoid baseless pronouncements against the state that malign the integrity of the Philippine justice system.
The Justice Secretary made the statement in response to a circulating letter allegedly coming from Teves seeking the intervention or help of the United Nations, Amnesty International, other human rights groups, and even Pope Francis.
Under the circulating alleged letter, Teves allegedly said he was being "politically persecuted" and was charged with false accusations and presumed guilty before trial.
"You all know the reality in the Philippines; please do not send me there. I do not want to be killed. Please save my life," Teves allegedly wrote.
The DOJ said Teves camp is only "imaginary" and a "delaying tactic" by playing the victim.
"Instead of dilly-dallying things, Teves should just face the court of law and answer the charges fair and square," Remulla said.
"Teves is a designated terrorist and fugitive from justice; he is also facing grave charges such as multiple murders, and all of that is a reality Topacio and his client should face. Until then, we cannot recognize anything they say unless they present themselves in court," he added.
It can be recalled from Monday when Topacio announced that Teves was released from detention in Timor-Leste.
DOJ Asec. Mico Clavano immediately responded that Teves was released but subsequently re-arrested as it was part of the Timor-Leste government’s process.
Meanwhile, Topacio defended that Teves was not rearrested but under the custody of authorities for the extradition hearing.
