Ex-Palawan gov questions new DOJ probe

MANILA, Philippines - Former Palawan governor Joel Reyes questioned yesterday before the Court of Appeals (CA) the move of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reinvestigate the charges tagging him in the killing of broadcaster Gerry Ortega last Jan. 24, saying he was already vindicated by findings of investigating prosecutors.

In a 35-page petition, Reyes asked the CA to nullify the DOJ order that created a new panel to conduct another preliminary investigation into the murder charges filed by Ortega’s widow Patria Gloria against him, former Marinduque governor Antonio Carrion and other res-pondents absolved by a separate panel that conducted an earlier probe.

Reyes also asked the CA to nullify the subpoena issued by the DOJ against him last Sept. 20 and issue a temporary restraining order enjoining the department from proceeding with the hearings set on Oct. 6 and 13.