Palace to appeal ruling on broadcaster’s murder

MANILA - The Philippine government will exhaust legal remedies to overturn the Court of Appeals’ decision that absolved former Palawan governor Mario Joel Reyes of liability in the 2011 murder of environmentalist-broadcaster Gerry Ortega, Malacañang said on Monday, January 8.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said he would meet with Solicitor General Jose Calida and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II this week to discuss the executive department’s plan to file a motion for reconsideration after the appellate court ordered the release of Reyes, who was accused of killing Ortega.

“We have gotten a decision from the Regional Trial Court that the evidence that against former governor Joel Reyes is strong, which prompted the court to dismiss the petition of bail. We will exercise all legal options to reverse this decision of the Court of Appeals,” Roque, who served as legal counsel of Ortega family, told Palace reporters.

“Because of my awkward position, I can say that I think the government will exhaust all remedies, including filing

first a motion for reconsideration,” he added.

In a 24-page ruling, the Court of Appeals ordered to nullify the arrest order issued by Puerto Princesa Regional Trial Court Branch 52 against Reyes, noting that there was lack of evidence to prove the former Palawan governor’s supposed involvement in Ortega’s slay.

Ortega, an environmentalist and radio host who frequently accused Reyes of corruption, was gunned down in Palawan on January 24, 2011.