Bishop dismayed over CA decision on Ortega slay case

MANILA, Philippines - A bishop on Thursday expressed dismay over the decision of the Court of Appeals junking the resolution of the Department of Justice recommending criminal charges against former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes in connection with the murder of environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega.

Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo said the appelate court's decision only proves the low credibility of the justice system in the country.

"Napakalungkot at nakakadismaya 'yang desisyon na 'yan. Kasi ang hinihiling lang naman ng grupo namin, ng civil society at saka ng pamilya Ortega, sabi nga 'a day in court,' para lang magkaroon talaga ng trial at masuri ang mga ebidensya kung may sala o wala, at sa ngayon ika nga ay very ample ang evidence at matibay ang sinasabing probable cause," Bishop Arigo said.

He claimed that one can be absolved from any criminal liability if one has the money and right connections. 

For her part, lawyer Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Palawan NGO Network said the Ortega family is contemplating of elevating the case to the Supreme Court with the recent developments.

"Ang pananaw namin ay kailangang mas ma-focus ang sustantive aspect dahil ang krimen ang isyu dito. 'Yan man ang desisyon, pagkaalam ko sa Ortega family, iaakyat 'yan sa mas Mataas na Hukuman,"Anda told Church-run Radyo Veritas. 

Based on the CA ruling, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima abused her authority when she formed a second investigating panel instead of reviewing the previous decision of the court clearing Reyes and his brother Mario of liability in the criminal case.