SC orders RTC to re-arrest, jail ex-Palawan gov

THE Supreme Court (SC) First Division has ordered a regional trial court to immediately re-arrest and detain former Palawan governor Mario Joel Reyes in connection with the killing of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega in 2011.

In a resolution dated March 29 but only made public on Sunday, the High Court directed Regional Trial Court Branch 52 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan to also continue “with utmost dispatch” the proceedings in Criminal Case No. 26839, in which Reyes is accused in Ortega’s murder.

This came after the SC denied Reyes’ petition to reverse and set aside the amended decision by the Court of Appeals in November 2019 and its resolution in February 2021 in connection to the case. In 2019, the appellate court reversed its January 2018 decision to dismiss the case and directed the Puerto Princesa City RTC to issue a warrant for Reyes’ arrest and continue with the prosecution.

“We do not find that the CA committed reversible error when it affirmed the trial court's Orders,” the resolution read.

The SC pointed out that Reyes “failed to present any convincing evidence to show how the RTC abused or acted in capricious and whimsical exercise of judgment amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in denying the motions filed by petitioner and ordering the continuation of the criminal proceedings against him.”

“There is likewise no showing that the trial court's power was exercised in an arbitrary and despotic manner. Petitioner's disagreement with the conclusions reached by the trial court, without more, is not sufficient to warrant the issuance of the extraordinary writ of certiorari,” it added. Rey Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Obiena bags gold at Asian Track Championships

FILIPINO pole vaulter EJ Obiena ruled his event in the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships on Sunday in Bangkok, Thailand defending his title after clearing 5.91 meters, which also became the new record in the event.

Obiena, the world's no. 3-ranked vaulter, tried to clear 6.02 meters in three attempts but failed to do so. The Olympian had joined the exclusive six-meter club earlier this year.

Saudi Arabia's Hussain Asim Alhizam finished second with 5.56 meters, while China's Huang Bokai placed third due to countback with 5.51 meters.

The Filipino Olympian and Asian record holder also previously held the competition record at 5.71 meters in getting the gold medal in 2019.

Obiena already punched his ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics early this month after meeting the 5.8-meter qualifying standard.

This is the Philippines' second gold medal in this year's edition of the tournament after Robyn Brown ruled the women's 400-meter hurdles on Saturday.

‘Bagong...

From A1

Mr. Marcos also ordered that the campaign logo must be on the letterheads, websites, official social media accounts, and other documents and instruments pertaining to flagship programs of the government.

For her part, House deputy minority leader ACT Teachers party-listRep. France Castro said funding for the rebranding campaign must be scrutinized.

Castro underscored the need to "ensure the responsible use of public funds and to safeguard against the rewriting of history."

"Rather than being fixated on the form and other superficialities,Pres. Marcos Jr. should focus on the substance," she added.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas also called on the government to address high prices of basic goods and low wages instead of "wasting government resources on rebranding projects."

"The administration must cut its obsession for rebranding projects and buckle down to work to address mounting calls for decent jobs, higher wages, and lower prices," she said.

Past administrations, however, have adopted slogans as well, including "Change is Coming" during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, "Daang Matuwid" of the late President Benigno Aquino III, and "Strong Republic" of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz