Palace eyes reversal of CA ruling on Ortega case

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. during a press briefing in Malacañang Palace on January 8, 2018.

MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said it will do everything to reverse the Court of Appeals’ (CA) decision clearing former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes from murder charges over the killing of journalist and environmentalist Gerry Ortega.

“We will exercise all legal options to reverse this decision by the Court of Appeals,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

Roque, a former private prosecutor of the Ortega’s case, said the CA ruling overruled an earlier Supreme Court decision that there was probable cause to file case against Reyes.

“There was already a decision by the lower court saying that the evidence was strong against former governor Joel Reyes,” he said.

“I find it alarming. The government will exhaust all remedies including filing first a motion for reconsideration,” he added.

As former legal counsel to Ortega’s family, Roque said he got consent from President Rodrigo Duterte to comment in his personal capacity on the case.

“This is a very sad development for freedom of the press in this country given that the murder of Gerry Ortega is a classic case of extralegal killing,” he said.

Roque said he will discuss Ortega’s case with Solicitor General Jose Calida and the Department of Justice regarding a plan to file a motion for reconsideration.

“The government will exhaust all remedies including filing first of a motion for reconsideration,” he said. (PNA)

Popular

PBBM ramps up agri support: Admin to expand P20 rice rollout, plant 15M coconut seedlings

By Brian Campued Vowing to give his all in the last three years of his administration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to expand programs...

PBBM lauds PH standing on global stage, expresses gratitude to OFWs

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the integrity of the Philippines on the global stage, citing the level of respect and...

PBBM tackles future of PH road, rail transportation

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet In his speech at the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) held at Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, this Monday; President...

PBBM highlights ‘zero balance billing’ in DOH hospitals, touts improved PhilHealth benefits

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that they no longer have to pay for basic accommodation services in Department of...