The passport of expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. is deemed canceled, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Remulla stressed that Teves remains a fugitive and has never appeared before Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51, where he is facing murder cases.

“Therefore, he has no personality to even appear in court and ask for reconsideration. That’s why we consider it final and executory,” Remulla said.

Teves is facing multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges for the death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others.

The Department of Justice earlier said that the court’s order to cancel Teves’ passport can still be appealed, and that it would oppose any motions for reconsideration that the expelled lawmaker’s lawyers will file.

According to Remulla, Teves is still in Timor-Leste, where he was last seen via social media posts last year.

Remulla refused to give a timeline on when Teves can be expected to face the charges in court.

“We are working on it because the court’s decision is there already. So there is no way he can travel unless he is granted asylum in any country, which is very far from our imagination,” Remulla said. (ABS-CBN News)