Former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado amid reports on the latter’s alleged involvement in hiding the Reyes brothers, primary suspects in the killing of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega.
“The Department of Justice must immediately look into the possible involvement of Ernesto Mercado in allegedly hiding the suspects in the Gerry Ortega murder case,” Binay spokesperson Rico Quicho said in a statement.
Former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother Coron ex-mayor Mario Reyes, who were arrested by authorities in Thailand and deported to the Philippines for violating immigration laws, are currently detained at the Puerto Princesa City Jail.
READ: Court orders detention of Reyes brothers at Puerto Princesa | ‘No special treatment for Reyes brothers’ | What went before: The Reyes brothers
Newspaper reports quoting the Philippine National Police, who was able to trace the Reyes brothers’ call data and short message service (SMS) records, said the fugitives had been calling their associates, one of which was Mercado, while hiding in Thailand.
Quicho said Mercado should be withdrawn from the government’s Witness Protection Program in the event that allegations will be proven to be true.
“If indeed true, as reported by a Philippine National Police source quoted by [Philippine] Star, Mr. Mercado should be dropped from the Witness Protection Program and face the consequences of his illicit act,” he said.
READ: Mercado bares more properties, dummies allegedly linked to Binay
Mercado previously appeared in the Senate and testified against Binay on the corruption accusations being hurled against the Vice President, particularly regarding the overpriced Makati City Hall Building II. Yuji Vincent Gonzales/RAM
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