MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste's bid for full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), just weeks before the 46th ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur.

This commitment was confirmed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, who is set to become the next Foreign Affairs Secretary, following a meeting of ASEAN senior officials on May 24.

Lazaro expressed the Philippines' ongoing dedication to aiding Timor-Leste's accession process and contributing to the objectives set forth in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Although Timor-Leste currently holds observer status, its full membership remains a topic of significant interest within the region.

At the heart of this reaffirmation lies a recent diplomatic strain between the Philippines and Timor-Leste stemming from a legal dispute involving Arnolfo Teves Jr., a former Philippine congressman.

In March, a Timorese court rejected a Philippine request for Teves' extradition, who faces multiple murder charges, including the alleged orchestration of the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March 2023. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs labeled this decision a breach of trust in the Philippine justice system and expressed concerns regarding its implications for regional cooperation within ASEAN.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated that the court's ruling could jeopardize Timor-Leste's aspirations for ASEAN membership, signaling that it could be detrimental during its application process.

However, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta dismissed these concerns, characterizing the extradition ruling as a proper judicial decision.

The Philippines’ support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership dates back to 2002, with official pledges made by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2013. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has continued this legacy, recognizing the shared historical ties between the two nations.

With over 97% of its population adhering to Roman Catholicism, Timor-Leste ranks as the second most Catholic nation in Asia after the Philippines.

ASEAN leaders granted Timor-Leste observer status and tentatively agreed to include the country as its 11th member in 2022. In his recent discussions with President Marcos, Ramos-Horta highlighted the longstanding history of solidarity and mutual support between the Philippines and Timor-Leste, reinforcing the importance of maintaining cooperative regional relations.