While the Quezon City (QC) judge is hearing the omnibus motion seeking the transfer of Jason Aguilar Ivler from the hospital to a detention facility, the Department of Justice (DoJ) named a new member to the panel prosecuting him for murder.

Acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra named Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Maximo Usita to the panel of prosecutors in the case against Ivler.

The DoJ is strengthening its prosecution panel to prosecute Ivler who was tagged in the November 18, 2009 shooting of Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., the son of Undersecretary Renato Ebarle Sr. who works in the Office of the Presidential Chief of Staff.

The Quezon City judge trying the case has given Ivler’s lawyers 15 days to comment on prosecutors’ appeal to detain him at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Last February 16, Ivler pleaded not guilty when arraigned on charges of murder for the fatal shooting on November 18, 2009 of Ebarle in what police described as a road rage killing.

Lawyer Angelito Magno, chief of NBI Special Action Unit, said the defense team had 15 days upon receipt of the court order to comment on the omnibus motion filed by the DoJ.

The DoJ is seeking to have Ivler detained at the NBI since he is already ready for outpatient treatment.