The legal team of expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. is hoping for a favorable decision from the Timor-Leste government on the Philippines’ extradition request for the former lawmaker, who is facing murder cases back home.

• Teves released, re-arrested in Timor Leste

“All I would like to say on record is that we gave it our best shot, and hope and pray that the East Timor court would follow what is in the Constitution, without regard to the diplomatic pressure that the Philippines government has been exerting,” said Teves lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.

• Teves on house arrest in Timor-Leste as extradition hearings continue

The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants Teves to face his multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder cases in Manila for the March 4, 2023 attack in Pamplona town that resulted in the death of Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others.

• DOJ says Teves must face cases in PH

Topacio noted he is assisting Timor-Leste lawyers on points of Philippine law.

Teves is currently under house arrest in Timor-Leste.