Ecleo parricide trial Econg holds off decision on move for inhibition
Regional Trial Court judge Geraldine Faith Econg yesterday suspended issuing her decision on the prosecution’s move for her inhibition from handling the parricide case against cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr.
This after she gave the defense 10 days to file their comment on the prosecution’s move to refer the case to another judge.
Ecleo’s counsel Orlando Salatandre asked the court to give him enough time to go over the documents and to prepare their comments about the prosecution’s allegations that Econg is impartial in handling the case in favor of the defense.
The prosecution, through lawyers Alfredo Sipalay and Kit Enriquez, did not object to Salatandre’s request as they assured Econg they will submit their reply to the defense’ comment not later than five days upon receipt of the documents.
Before the hearing was adjourned after only 15 minutes yesterday, Salatandre told the court he was surprised why the prosecution is moving for the inhibition of the judge.
Several months ago, it was the defense counsels who petitioned that Econg inhibit from handling the case considering that she was a classmate of the late Arbet Sta. Ana-Yongco, who was the lead private prosecutor of the case before being shot dead inside her office along
Salatandre’s said the prosecution may see bias on the part of Econg as she rejected some of their objections to certain issues. If so, he said such reasoning is without basis.
“The judge has the right to evaluate whether the issues presented are relevant to the case,” Salatandre said.
After the proceedings, Ecleo, who was wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt, slowly walked out of the court assisted by his mother, Surigao del Norte Rep. Glenda Ecleo.
Ecleo, who used to be the mayor of
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