Reyes brothers’ bid to lift arrest warrant premature, says De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima branded as premature the bid of lawyers of former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother Coron Mayor Mario Reyes to lift the arrest warrant issued against them by the Palawan Regional Trial Court.

“The motion is premature because the Court of Appeals decision is not yet final and executory,” De Lima told reporters Tuesday, adding they still can seek a reconsideration of the appeals court’s ruling.

The Court of Appeals Special 10th division last March 19 nullified the body created by De Lima that investigated and eventually filed murder charges against the brothers. The appeals court also ordered that the findings of the first panel clearing the Reyes brothers be reinstated.

“We are prepared to take this case up to the Supreme Court,” De Lima said.

The Reyes brothers sought the lifting of the warrant of arrest following the appeals court’s ruling.