Palace: DOJ, DILG looking into alleged ‘special treatment’ for Reyes brothers

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang Palace on Sunday assured that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government  (DILG) are looking into the alleged “special treatment” for detained former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes and mulls on the possible cases against them.

“The DOJ and the DILG are looking into this matter and will take the necessary action, including the possible filing of appropriate cases against those involved,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said on a radio interview with DZRB.

Coloma made the statement following reports that the Reyes brothers are allegedly being given treatment in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Claims said the Reyes brothers were allowed to hold press conference and given their own prison based on the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s practice to isolate high profile inmates from t regular prisoners. They were also reportedly seeking for hospital detention while undergoing trial since the former mayor is ailing.

Coloma replied that only the court has the authority to allow the requests of the Reyes brothers and that the government is not in favor of the hospital detention.

“The Reyes Brothers are detention prisoners, hence, only the court where the case is pending can issue the necessary permission. As to the request for hospital arrest, Secretary De Lima has stated the government’s opposition to any such motion,” Coloma said.

Jail Officer 1 Marlito Anza earlier denied the claims that the Reyes brothers are given special treatment and clarified that they will be treated as any other ordinary inmate in the detention facility.

Last September 20, the Reyes brothers were nabbed in Phuket, Thailand for alleged “overstaying.” The Palawan officials were also suspects in the slaying of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega on Jan. 24, 2011.

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