THE Office of the Ombudsman has recommended the rearrest and immediate imprisonment of former Palawan governor Joel Reyes in connection with the murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega.
The anti-graft office filed an urgent omnibus motion before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday, January 8, citing the "possible recurrence" of his previous escape after he was linked to Ortega's murder.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. welcomed on Wednesday, January 10, the Ombudsman's recommendation.
Roque, a former legal counsel of Ortega's family, said the anti-graft body made the right decision in ordering the cancellation of Reyes' bail bond.
"That's how it should be (done)! I commend (Ombudsman) for the order," Roque said in a statement sent to Palace reporters.
The former Palawan governor and his brother, former Coron town mayor Mario Reyes, were arrested in Thailand in 2015 in connection with Ortega's death in January 2011.
The Reyes brothers went into hiding in 2012 after Palawan's Regional Trial Court ordered their arrest for the killing of Ortega.
But last week, the Court of Appeals cleared Reyes of his alleged involvement in Ortega's murder, citing lack of evidence in the case. His brother, Mario, was granted temporary freedom in May.
Roque, following the appellate court's decision, said the executive department would exhaust all legal remedies to overrule the ruling to set Reyes free.
He said the government, with the assistance of Solicitor General Jose Calida and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, was slated to file a motion for reconsideration on the Court of Appeal's decision.
"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 earlier said.
"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. (VoxPop Philippines)
