A Timor-Leste court has approved anew the extradition to the Philippines of former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. for him to be tried for multiple murder charges in Manila.

The ruling reaffirmed the court’s decision last June to issue the extradition order as sought by the Philippine government.

The June ruling was questioned by Teves on procedural grounds.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the ruling as “a resounding victory for the Filipino people.”

“We expected no less that this second grant of extradition, which only solidifies the initial decision made by Timor Leste,” said Remulla in a statement.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges after being named mastermind in the slaying of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and several other persons in Marcy, 2023.

Several other criminal charges have been filed against the former solon in connection with the murder of three individuals in 2019 in Negros Oriental.

Teves lawyers in Timor-Leste contested the first extradition ruling by citing lapses in procedural grounds, particularly the number of judges that took part in reaching the decision.

In the second processing of evidence, the Timor Leste court was convinced that the extradition appeal should be granted.

“Fortunately, the judicial system of Timor-Leste Court has been consistent with the tenets of fair play and justice considering the positive developments in the case,”: said the DOJ.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for Teves, declined to comment, saying that he still has to study the decision.0