Ex-Enrile aide asks SC: Speed up plunder trial

MANILA, Philippines — Detained lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, who worked as chief of staff of former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to act on her six-year detention on plunder charges in relation to her alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

In a seven-page petition, Reyes invoked her right to “a speedy, impartial and public trial,” citing Section 6 of the Habeas Corpus Act, particularly on the deprivation of liberty on the ground of delayed trial.

Former solicitor general Estelito Mendoza assisted Reyes in filing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the SC on Jan. 13.

Reyes said she “has been and continues to be under detention now for a period of six years, seven months, or for 2,409 days (as of Jan. 12) and counting, the end beyond perception.”

“It is respectfully prayed that the court, or any member thereof, issue the writ forthwith directing the director of Camp Bagong Diwa... to make a return of the writ, produce the petitioner before the court within five days from receipt thereof,” she added.

Reyes said that she has been detained longer than any plunder defendants such as former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., former senator Jinggoy Estrada and Enrile, her former boss and co-accused in the case.