DILI, Timor-Leste — Legal representatives for Arnolfo Teves Jr., former lawmaker from Negros Oriental’s 3rd District, filed a writ of habeas corpus on Wednesday following his arrest at his residence in Dili on Tuesday evening.
Authorities detained Teves reportedly without presenting an arrest warrant. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ lawyer, confirmed the filing of the petition with the Timorese Court, seeking the release of the former lawmaker.
The arrest has raised questions regarding legal procedures and the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Timor-Leste.
Separately, Senator-elect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III spoke before the Philippine Senate, denying the existence of an independent bloc within the institution and commenting on the current legislative alignments and political groupings.