Regional Trial Court Executive judge Fortunato de Gracia plans to meet with all parties in the parricide case against Ruben Ecleo Jr., and thresh out the issue about the prosecution’s demand for RTC Branch 9 judge Geraldine Faith Econg to inhibit from handling the case.
De Gracia said he wants Econg to be present during the meeting in his chamber next week so he can explain to all parties involved about his reason in opposing the inhibition of Econg.
Econg, the sixth judge handling the case, earlier said it will be better if the issue of inhibition is referred to the Supreme Court for a ruling instead.
The executive judge said he had talked with Chief Justice Reynato Puno and senior deputy court administrator Jose Perez about the matter the other day. Puno reportedly told De Gracia that he understands the latter’s reason in denying Econg’s intention to inhibit.
Perez however said that, under existing procedures, the executive judge of the RTC has no judicial power to compel a fellow member of the bench to handle a case if he or she wishes to inhibit from handling it for whatever reason.
De Gracia had a chance to explain his order denying Econg’s inhibition to one of the prosecution lawyers Alfredo Sipalay who went to his office yesterday morning.
The executive judge told Sipalay that it would be unfair for the accused to wait longer for the resolution of his case when only two or three more defense witnesses are scheduled to be presented in court.
De Gracia said, “Tiwasonon na lang god ning kasoha, tulo na lang tingali ka defense witnesses ang ipresentar unya ang bag-ong huwes mao na hinoon ang mohimo’g desisyon?”
Ecleo, a former mayor of San Jose town in Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, was accused of killing his wife, Alona, whose body was found inside a black plastic garbage bag that was dumped in barangay Coro, Dalaguete town, last January 8, 2002. — Rene U. Borromeo/RAE