MANILA, Philippines — Environmental justice advocates lauded Thursday Justice Secretary Leila De Lima for her commitment to personally monitor the case of slain Palawan broadcaster and environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega.

“The family, friends, fellow environmentalists, media practitioners, and Palaweños have been waiting too long for justice to be served. Secretary de Lima's action will give the case a positive advance,” Marjorie Pamintuan, convenor of Task Force Justice for Environmental Defenders, said.

Ortega was a veterinarian and radio anchor before he was shot dead in Puerto Princesa last January 24.

Earlier in June, the group denounced the Department of Justice (DoJ) panel's decision clearing former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes in the killing of Ortega.

The group said Reyes was absolved despite the confession of Rolando Erad Jr., a close aide of Reyes and the one who formed the assassination team. In July, Ortega's family filed a motion for reconsideration on the case.
Meanwhile, De Lima previously inhibited herself from the case because Reyes was her former client when she was still in private practice.

“We are glad that Secretary De Lima has stepped forward to oversee the proceedings of the case. We trust that her previous relationship with Reyes as her client during her private lawyering will not affect her objectivity in this case,” the group said.