Ex-Palawan gov asks CA to cite De Lima in contempt

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of fugitive former Palawan governor Joel Reyes wants Justice Secretary Leila de Lima cited in contempt for her supposedly accusing statements on the Court of Appeals (CA) ruling last month clearing him in the Jan. 24, 2011 murder of broadcaster Gerry Ortega.

In a 12-page petition filed last week, Reyes asked the CA to cite De Lima in indirect contempt over her reported allegation that “foul tactics” were employed in the case.

Reyes’ lawyers led by Demetrio Custodio Jr. argued that while the accusation was directed at their client, it “also smeared the reputation of the honorable court by insinuating that it could be influenced to decide a case in one way or another by a party’s ‘foul tactics and illicit means.’”

Citing media reports, Reyes quoted De Lima as saying, “A great part of the challenges has to do with having suspects or respondents who are well connected and with resources that, quite often, resort to foul tactics and illicit means that undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system.”

Reyes said such a statement “scandalizes” the appellate court and has “transcended the wall of tolerable criticism.”

De Lima though did not name names in her statement, as she expressed her disappointment over the CA ruling that voided the findings of a second panel of Department of Justice prosecutors that indicted Reyes.