MANILA, Philippines- Itinanggi ng abogado ng pinatalsik na mambabatas na si Arnolfo Teves Jr. ang pahayag ng Department of Justice (DOJ) na nag-alok ng pera ang anak ng dating mambabatas sa isang law enforcement officer sa Timor-Leste kapalit ng maluwag na pagtrato sa kanyang ama habang nasa kustodiya ng mga awtoridad.
“On the contrary, it was the officer who demanded money from my client’s son and the matter has been reported and is under investigation,” giit ni Ferdinand Topacio nitong Biyernes.
Nitong Huwebes, umapela ang DOJ sa Timor-Leste authorities para sa agarang extradition o deportation ni Teves, batay sa ulat na sinuhulan ng kanyang anak ang isang miyembro ng Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC).
“Reports said the son of Teves Jr. offered a bribe to a PCIC member in the amount of $2,000 (over P114,000) in exchange for ‘security’ inside and outside Becora Prison, where he is being held while waiting for his extradition or deportation,” anang departamento.
Kasalukuyang nasa kustodiya si Teves, na nahaharap sa mga kaso bilang utak umano ng pagpatay sa kanyang political rival noong 2023, ng pretrial detention sa Becora Prison kasunod ng kanyang pagkakaresto noong March 21.
“Go home and face the court squarely,” ani Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla kay Teves sa pahayag ng DOJ.
“Let us stop playing hide and seek with the law, one cannot evade accountability for eternity. Prolonging your liabilities with the rule of law only worsens your predicament,” patuloy niya. RNT/SA
