THE widow of slain Palawan-based journalist Gerry Ortega has called on President Aquino to direct the Commission on Audit (COA) to look into the alleged misuse of the P3.1 billion proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project off Palawan and other funds of the provincial government by its officials.

At a press briefing, Dr. Patria Ortega recalled that prior to the death of her husband, the latter had been criticizing former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, his successor Abraham Mitra, and former vice governor Dave Ponce de Leon in connection with the questionable use of the share of the province from the Malampaya oil exploration project.

“As President, you have the power to ensure an objective investigation of Gerry’s murder. You have the power to demand for an accounting of government funds, including the share from Malampaya,” Mrs. Ortega said.

Mrs. Ortega said the misappropriation of the Malampaya funds had been the subject of Gerry’s commentaries before he was gunned down last January 24 at in Puerto Princesa City.

She claimed that out of the total P90-billion Malampaya funds, P3.1 billion is earmarked annually as share of the provincial government. However, the local COA auditor was only able to account for P520-million.

“The motive is very clear, silence Gerry for his unrelenting demand for Joel Reyes, Baham Mitra, Dave Ponce de Leon and others to account for the use of government funds, including the share from Malampaya,” she added.

Mrs. Ortega also  has  filed a murder complaint against Reyes, his brother Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes, and former Marinduque Gov. Jose Carreon, based on the sworn testimony of suspects led by Rodolfo Edrad Jr., alias “Jun-Jun Bumar,” a former close-in security guard of Reyes.

Also charged were Reyes’ former provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, under whose name the gun used in the killing was registered; Marlon Ricamata; Dennis Aranas; Valentin Lesias; Arturo Regalado; Armando Noel; John and Jane Does.