Former Palawan gov seeks time to answer charges

MANILA, Philippines - A former governor of Palawan who was implicated in the daylight killing of a radio broadcaster last month is seeking more time to answer the criminal charges filed against him before the Department of Justice, his lawyer said yesterday.

Ferdinand Topacio, lawyer for former governor Joel Reyes told reporters during the weekly Balitaan sa Rembrandt Hotel news forum that they had asked the Department of Justice for 15 days so that they can submit their answer to the criminal complaint.

Torres was implicated as the alleged brain in the Jan. 24 killing of Jerry Ortega a hard hitting broadcaster in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

“The former governor is charged with murder which is a non-bailable offense so we are asking for time” he said.

Topacio said their motion is not an attempt to delay the proceedings but to exercise the right of his client to due pro­cess and to defend himself against the allegations.

He assured the opposite camp that there is nothing sinister in their move to seek more time as they will be lining up witnesses to dispute the criminal charge.

Topacio also said they will file motion before the justice department to investigate all the personalities who were the subject of attack of the slain broadcaster as they may be also among the suspects in the killing.

He was reacting to recent development where former top officials in Palawan who were subject to commentaries are now being implicated in the case.

Topacio also expressed concern over what he called trial by publicity directed against the former governor which he said is an attempt to convict his client in the bar of public opinion.