Ex-Palawan governor decries new DOJ ruling in slay case

MANILA, Philippines - Former Palawan governor Joel Reyes decried yesterday the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reverse its earlier findings and indict him for the killing of radio broadcaster Gerry Ortega in Puerto Princesa City in January last year.

In a statement, Reyes said the conclusion of the second panel of prosecutors might create confusion in the minds of the public and could put into question the integrity of the DOJ “in its ability to render firm and steadfast decisions.”

“I hope this is not a persecution of justice resulting from media pressure because of unsolved media killings in the country – that this is not a demonstration of sacrificing justice in the altar of public opinion,” he said.

“Certainly, the true masterminds are laughing their heads off at this moment. Yet, I don’t lose hope because I’m convinced justice will be served eventually in due time,” he added.

Reyes cited his record as a public servant for more than two decades in Palawan where he said he is known to be “a humble and patient man.”

He believes he would be vindicated as he vowed to avail himself of all legal remedies to challenge the DOJ resolution.

His legal counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, admitted the new DOJ ruling came as a surprise, saying it is “most disheartening, considering that the original panel of prosecutors had already dismissed the (charges) against Reyes not once, but twice! – based on solid facts and evidence.”

“It was therefore surprising that the DOJ, succumbing to political pressure and trial by publicity, ordered another investigation when all parties have already been heard in the first proceedings,” he said in a separate statement.

“It is also surprising that the new panel of investigators has differently appreciated the evidence on record, considering the limited mandate given to it by the department to examine only new evidence, and that no new evidence was presented to corroborate the claim of the lone witness against Gov. Reyes,” he added, referring to Rodolfo Edrad Jr. alias Bumar.

On the other hand, Ortega’s family and their lawyers lauded the DOJ for indicting Reyes and the other respondents – his brother Coron Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., former provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, close-in aide Arturo Regalado, and Valentin Lecias.

Ortega’s eldest daughter Mika told reporters that they consider this development as “partial vindication” in their allegations against Reyes and the other respondents.

“For us the final vindication is conviction. It’s a kind of relief that at least we are done with the preliminaries but we are still up for a longer, harder battle in trial in court,” she said.

She said their crusade for justice would continue, especially since one of the principal respondents, former Marinduque governor Jose Antonio Carrion, was again cleared in the crime.

“We are actually surprised that he was excluded,” she said.

With this, their lawyer Alex Avisado said they would wait for a copy of the resolution and study the possible filing of a motion for partial reconsideration with respect to Carrion’s case.

“We believe that he had knowledge of the killing of Gerry Ortega since he was the one who referred Bumar to Gov. Reyes. We are talking about conspiracy so we believe he should have been included in the information,” he said.

Still, Avisado lauded Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for displaying fairness and independence in resolving the case against Reyes, who used to be her client as an election lawyer.

He also thanked University of the Philippines lawyer Harry Roque Jr. and other lawyers for helping in the battle for justice for Ortega.

Avisado said they also plan to ask for the issuance of a hold departure order against Reyes and the other accused.

He said the DOJ filed yesterday morning an amended information before the Puerto Princesa City regional trial court.