Malampaya fund exposés behind Ortega slay?

MANILA, Philippines - Broadcaster Gerry Ortega’s exposés on the alleged unaccounted proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project in Palawan could be the reason for his killing last January, his widow said yesterday.

In a press conference in Manila, Patty Ortega also dragged the name of incumbent Palawan Gov. Abraham Mitra in her husband’s killing.

“Gerry’s death benefited Joel Reyes, Baham Mitra, Dave Ponce de Leon and others who were and are involved in the utilization of funds in the province. There is no more Gerry who never stopped from demanding explanation from them on these unaccounted funds,” Mrs. Ortega alleged.

She recalled how her slain husband unrelentingly demanded the provincial officials account for the use of over P3.1 billion in funds, including share from the Malampaya project.

“Almost every day he was reading a COA (Commission on Audit) report that details anomalies in the use of the funds from Malampaya and funds of the capitol,” she said.

She cited, for instance, the exposé on how De Leon, former vice governor of the province, was allegedly caught faking receipts.

“Corruption is the primary motive (in the killing),” she alleged.

She appealed to President Aquino to ensure justice will be served on her husband’s killing and to also investigate the alleged anomalies in the use of Malampaya funds.

When asked for reaction, Mitra said in a text message: “I’m sorry I would not like to comment on reckless statements egged on/fed by rumormongers.”

Mitra added: “My father left me a good name and I intend to do the same to my son. Let it not be tainted by people who are fed unfounded and baseless accusations by enterprising individuals using them for their so-called cause.”

De Leon, for his part, also denied the allegation. “I deny absolutely that I have anything to do with the killing of Gerry Ortega. Immediately after Gerry Ortega was killed, I spoke on the radio and said that I condemn his death. I even called on authorities to go after those who could be behind this.”

Reyes, former Palawan governor who was tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder case filed by the Ortega family with the Department of Justice, earlier had denied the allegation.

Several suspects, including the gunman, are already in the hands of the National Bureau of Investigation.