President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urges Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. to return home and face charges related to the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and other individuals.
Speaking to reporters during his return from the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, the President advised Teves to come home, stating that it would be the best course of action.
“Come home. That’s the best advice I can give him. Come home,” he said.
The President also shared that during his bilateral meeting with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, it was revealed that Teves had applied for political asylum, but his application was denied.
“Yes. It turns out that Congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but was denied. Ganun lang. So I think they will continue to be — to go to the process,” Marcos said.
“May appeal process para sa — those who are applying… but na-deny so we’ll just wait for the process to complete,” he added.
The Philippine government expressed gratitude for Ruak's swift decision, which would make it easier for authorities to bring Teves back to the country to face the allegations against him.
The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that Teves has been ordered to leave Timor-Leste within five days following the denial of his application.
