By Aileen Lor
All past and present Philippine government officials are expected to testify at the extradition case in Timor-Leste for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
Some of them, according to Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, are former Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, National Amnesty Commission Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento, Bureau of Corrections Director General Pio Gregorio Catapang, Jr., and Presidential Human Rights Committee Undersecretary Nonoy Catura.
It further stated that the aforementioned authorities will testify to allegations of inadequate human rights protection in the country, unfair justice, threats to safety, and torture.
Vasquez feels the hearing will be fair, with neutral judges.
The DOJ disclosed the list of witnesses after it was made public by Teves’ counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio announced that, in addition to him, former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and former Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano will testify for Teves.
This Monday, the DOJ and Topacio reportedly exchanged words after the former lawmaker was reportedly released and re-arrested.
