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[av_heading heading=’Reyes’ acquittal stuns Ortega kin ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The family of Dr. Gerry Ortega were shocked by the Court of Appeals’ (CA) decision to acquit former Palawan governor Joel T. Reyes from charges for the death of the broadcaster and environmentalist.
Ortega’s eldest daughter Michaella said they were surprised when Reyes, the primary suspect in the murder, was released from detention.
“Our family were still recovering from the shock,” she said in a statement sent to the press.
“The decision came a few weeks before the eighth year anniversary of Doc Gerry’s murder,” she added. “It has been eight years of fighting for justice and press freedom.”
Michaella said they were set to meet with their lawyers to plan their next move as soon as they get a copy of the appellate court’s decision.
A CA special division voted unanimously to dismiss the murder case against Reyes.
It said the Regional Trial Court in Puerto Princesa City “abused discretion” when it decided there was probable cause to charge the former governor for the death of Ortega.
“Call it a second chance afforded him by God or a lucky three-point play for him, to use a common street lingo, or a miracle in his favor, (Reyes) must by all means be exonerated from the charge,” the CA said in a decision released over the weekend.
“There was no evidence against the former governor aside from the sworn statement of Rodolfo Edrad alias ‘Bumar,’” it added. “His testimony, however, was riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions so the division decided he was not a credible and trustworthy witness.”
Ortega, a hard-hitting broadcaster and a known environmental crusader, was shot dead by a lone assassin at the downtown area of Puerto Princesa on Jan. 24, 2011./PN
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