Marcos to Arnie Teves: Come home

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday asked Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves to return to the Philippines.

This came after Timor-Leste denied the suspended lawmaker’s request for political asylum.

“Come home. That’s the best advice that I can give him,” Marcos told reporters while en route to Manila.

According to Marcos, he was able to briefly discuss the matter with Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

“Yes, it turns out that Congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but was denied. Ganoon lang,” Marcos said.

“I think they will continue to go through the process. May appeal process para sa those who are applying but ‘yun na-deny so we just complete the process to complete,” he added.

According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Teves entered Timor-Leste a week ago to seek asylum. The Department of Foreign Affairs then confirmed that this request was denied.

On Thurday, Remulla said Teves has asked Timor-Leste to reconsider.

According to the Immigration Service of Timor Leste, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste guarantees the right of asylum “to foreigners and stateless persons persecuted or is guaranteed seriously threatened of persecution in result of activity performed in State of nationality or habitual residence.”

It further states that it also guarantees asylum to those “who, fearing justifiably be persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, are unable or, owing such fear, unwilling to return to the State of nationality or residence habitual.”

Remulla, however, said they do not see any political reason for Teves to seek asylum in Timor-Leste, noting that the suspended lawmaker merely does not want to face the consequences of his actions.

Teves was tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March.

He has yet to return to the country, citing to concerns for his safety. Teves also repeatedly denied any involvement in the murders.

Marcos earlier said there was no threat to Teves’ safety detected and urged him to come back to the Philippines. — BM, GMA Integrated News

Marcos to Arnie Teves: Come home
Source: Filipino Viral News PH