SolGen to CA: Reyes acquittal a grave error

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals has been asked to reverse its ruling dismissing the murder charges filed against former Palawan governor Joel Reyes in connection with the killing of broadcaster and environmental activist Gerry Ortega.

In a 53-page motion for reconsideration, Solicitor General Jose Calida asked the former special 11th division of the appellate court to order the rearrest of Reyes, saying it was a “grave error” to dismiss the charges filed against him.

“The Court of Appeals clearly disregarded jurisprudential parameters in the determination of the existence of probable cause…In finding no probable cause to arrest Reyes, the CA unfortunately conducted a fragmented analysis of the evidence before it, isolating each piece of evidence and concluding that it alone does not prove probable cause,” Calida’s motion read.

He said the CA erred when it ruled that there was no probable cause to arrest Reyes even though it recognized the statement of prosecution witness Rodolfo “Bumar” Edrad Jr., the former bodyguard of the former governor, who was allegedly instructed to create a team to kill Ortega. 

“Bumar’s testimony is…replete with details that only a participant in the crime and someone close to the petitioner (Reyes) could have known. This, in conjunction with the statement of other participants, serves to strengthen Bumar’s credibility, which includes his unwavering certitude that petitioner masterminded the murder of Dr. Gerry Ortega and set it in motion,” Calida said. 

Calida said Reyes’ flight in 2012 after the court issued a warrant of arrest was a “strong indication of his guilt.”

Reyes and his brother Mario, former mayor of Coron, Palawan, were arrested in Thailand in September 2015. 

“No doubt, the CA decision has eroded the faith and trust of the…people,” Calida said.