Meeting of slain journalist’s supporters with De Lima improper, says Reyes lawyer

MANILA, Philippines—The lawyer of former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes called as “improper” the visit of supporters of the slain journalist and environment advocate Gerry Ortega to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

“The acts of making personal visits to Secretary De Lima and making direct demands on her while a motion for reconsideration is pending is highly improper, grossly unethical and smacks of a lack of delicadeza,” Ferdinand Topacio said in a statement.

“The demand to reopen the case is highly irregular at this point. Their insistence that the secretary of Justice reopen the investigation shows that they have no regard for the high office which she holds,” he added.

Topacio said the motion for reconsideration has been filed already and it is but proper to wait for the decision of the Department of Justice.

Last July, Ortega’s wife, Patria Gloria, filed a motion for reconsideration to reconsider its earlier ruling clearing Reyes of involvement in Ortega’s death.

Reyes has been cleared for lack of evidence.

“In resolving the instant complaint, the panel erroneously discharged the masterminds and principals by indispensable cooperation while recommending the indictment of their pawns whose participation in the murder were merely as accessories at best,” Ortega said.

Ortega’s camp is calling for Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to reopen the investigation on the case.

Ortega was killed last January 24 in Puerto Princesa City.