Ex-Palawan Governor Reyes denied bail over Ortega slay case

Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes' bid to gain temporary freedom in the case involving the death of environmentalist and radio commentator Gerry Ortega has been junked by a Palawan court. 

Ortega's daughter, Michaella, said Judge Angelo Arizala of the Puerto Princesa Regional Trial Court branch 52 on Thursday threw out Reyes' bail petition, "after having found strong evidence of guilt" for the crime.

"We continue to fight for justice. After 5 years and 6 months since Doc Gerry’s murder, we are finally proceeding to the murder trial of the mastermind. We must remain vigilant in these later stages of the trial," she said.

The Ortega family also said they "continue to hope that truth and justice will prevail." 

Reyes' counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, declined to comment on the development, saying he has yet to receive a copy of the ruling. 

Ortega's death on Jan. 24, 2011 was linked to his hard-hitting radio commentaries on illegal mining activities in the island province.

Aside from being a broadcaster, Ortega was also a prominent civic leader and veterinarian who once headed Palawan's famous crocodile farm in Puerto Princesa City.

After fleeing the Philippines, Reyes and his brother former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, were arrested in Thailand in September 2015.

Both denied the allegation.  

Two years prior, the confessed gunman, Marlon Recamata, was sentenced to life imprisonment even if he had pleaded guilty to the murder.

Arturo "Nonoy" Regalado, the former governor’s aide, was also meted the same punishment last March.  — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News