Gov’t mulling over raps vs Palawan jail officials

Former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes. PNP-PIO

The government is considering filing the “appropriate cases” against Puerto Princesa City jail officials who reportedly gave former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, ex-Coron Mayor Mario Reyes “VIP treatment,” according to Malacañang.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma on Sunday said the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government were “looking into this matter and will take the necessary action, including the filing of appropriate cases against those involved.”

Reports said the jail officials allowed the Reyes brothers to hold a press conference on their arrival from Manila on Friday. The press conference lasted an hour and was aired live over several Palawan radio stations.

The Reyes brothers are accused of masterminding the 2011 murder of broadcast journalist and environmentalist Gerry Ortega, who had assailed Palawan officials for the alleged misuse of funds from the provincial government’s share of revenue from the Malampaya gas field.

The brothers were arrested last week in Phuket, Thailand, after three years in hiding.

In a text message to the Inquirer, Coloma said “the Reyes brothers are detention prisoners.”

“Hence, only the court, where the (criminal) case is pending, can issue the necessary permission (to jail authorities),” he said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said detainees and convicts or those deprived of their liberty for involvement in a crime could not just be allowed to hold press conferences without official permission.

The justice secretary said detainees like the Reyes brothers needed court permission to call a press conference.

De Lima has asked Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento to impose disciplinary and administrative sanctions, including relieving or replacing Puerto Princesa warden Don Paredes, if warranted.

Coloma pointed out that De Lima had “stated the government’s opposition” to the Reyeses’ motion to be placed under hospital arrest.

De Lima said “matters like that are subject to the court’s sound discretion. But on the part of the prosecution, we’ll definitely oppose that.”