Manila, March 21 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to appeal the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals' decision denying the extradition of former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., Malacanang said on Friday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government was "surprised" at the Timor-Leste court's "adverse ruling" overturning its December 2024 decision approving Teves' extradition.

"Medyo nagulat po ang administrasyon, lalong-lalo na po ang DOJ, patungkol po dito (The administration, especially the DOJ, was somewhat surprised at this)," Castro said in a press briefing.

She said the DOJ had provided all the necessary evidence and records to support the extradition request, including proof that...