President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. renewed his call on Thursday for Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. to come home and face the allegations against him in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and several others.

“Come home. That’s the best advice I can give him. Come home,” President Marcos said when asked by reporters on his advice to the embattled legislator.

The President was interviewed by reporters aboard the PR 001 as he returns home from attending the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

Marcos said Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak told him that Teves was seeking political asylum during their bilateral meeting on Thursday.

“Yes. It turns out that Congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but was denied. Ganun lang. So I think they will continue to be — to go to the process,” Marcos told reporters.

“May appeal process para sa — those who are applying… but na-deny so we’ll just wait for the process to complete,” he said.

Marcos thanked Ruak for acting quickly on Teves’ application.

He said the Philippine government appreciated Ruak’s quick decision as it would be easier for the authorities to bring Teves back to the country to answer the allegations against him.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Timor-Leste has denied Teves’ application for political asylum and had ordered him to leave the country within five days. (PND)