Supreme Court orders Reyes rearrested, resumption of Ortega’s slay trial

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered former Palawan governor Joel Reyes rearrested in connection with the murder of radio broadcaster and environmental activist Gerry Ortega in 2011.

In an eight-page resolution released over the weekend, the SC denied Reyes’ petition seeking to retain a 2018 decision of the Court of Appeals (CA), which dismissed the charges against him and allowed his release from jail.

The CA reversed its decision in 2019 following a petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General.

The CA reversal paved the way for the resumption of the trial due to insufficient grounds that could warrant the dismissal of the charges.

“We do not find the CA committing reversible error when it affirmed the trial court’s orders,” the SC resolution read.

Ortega, a veterinarian and staunch critic of the Reyes clan, was shot dead near his clinic in Puerto Princesa in January 2011.

Reyes was tagged as the mastermind of the murder, with his former security aide as the gunman. Reyes was indicted in 2012 and was ordered arrested for trial, but he fled the country. He and his brother Marjo were arrested and brought home in 2015.

In 2018, the CA’s former 11th Division dismissed the charges against Reyes. A year later, the appellate court reinstated the charges and ordered the arrest of Reyes and the resumption of the trial.

The SC said the Puerto Princesa Regional Trial Court did not commit grave abuse of discretion when it ordered Reyes’ arrest and the trial to resume.

Ortega’s family welcomed the decision of the high tribunal.

“Our family is thankful that the Supreme Court sided with truth and justice. We have long hoped and prayed for the trial to continue. This fair decision restores our faith that one day, we will find justice,” the family said in a statement.

Journalists based in Palawan have reported that Reyes was spotted during the 2022 elections, wherein he lost his bid for the province’s gubernatorial seat.

He has since been unavailable for communication.