Expelled Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio claims that his client has fallen victim to the current administration’s ostensibly politically-motivated, recurring practice of harassment and persecution.
“Ito po ay kasama sa pattern of harassment and persecution na isinasagawa po ng kasalukuyang administrasyon laban sa mga Teves—at hindi lang sa mga Teves, sa ilan sa kanilang mga kalaban sa pulitika, katulad ni Atty. Harry Roque … si Pangulong Duterte,” Topacio said of Teves’ deportation and return from Timor-Leste.
The lawyer lamented the Timorese government’s apparent decision to override the supposed court order granting Teves a writ of habeas corpus, or the chance to reconsider the legality of his detention, given he may be subjected to “inhumane” punishment back home.
“Kami po ay nalulungkot sapagkat grinant po ‘yung writ of habeas corpus ng hukuman ng Timor-Leste, bukod pa po doon sa sinabing hindi pa siya dapat i-extradite sapagkat magkakaroon ng panganib sa kanyang buhay, at siya ay maaaring masailalim sa tinatawag na cruel and inhuman punishment, ay ginawa pa rin ito ng executive department ng Timor-Leste,” he told reporters.
However, Topacio was confident his preparations for a contingency such as this would pay off, especially with witnesses who have retracted their statements.
“Puwede nating sabihing lahat na ng testimonya laban sa kanya ay binawi na ng mga gumawa ng mga testimonyang ‘yun at sinasabing sila’y tinakot, sinaktan, binigyan ng mga abogado na hindi naman nila gusto, ay matibay naman po ang aming depensa,” he revealed.
Teves arrived in Manila at around 11:18 p.m. on Thursday, bringing him closer to accountability in court.
He is facing charged of 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder.
