Stricter rules as Ecleo trial resumes

CEBU, Philippines - Tighter security can be expected as soon as the trial of the parricide case against Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association supreme master Ruben Ecleo, Jr. will resume on September 23. Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras, the new judge handling the case, has decided to limit to 28 the number of people each from the prosecution and defense during hearings.

Despite this, the public may still witness the proceedings inside the courtroom through a close-circuit television.

Prosecution lawyer Fritz Quiñanola said that Peras suggested installing a CCTV monitor outside the Palace of Justice to allow the public to witness the proceedings.

Quiñanola said Peras will arrange with the Captiol through security consultant Byron Garcia for the installation of the CCTV equipment.

Peras, who met with the police, defense and the prosecution lawyers yesterday afternoon, also asked the authorities to deploy personnel at the Palace of Justice during hearings.

Supt. Pablo Labra II said they will deploy enough policemen to frisk and the check the bags of those attending the hearing. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics would also be deployed outside the Palace of Justice.

Defense counsel Orlando Salatandre welcomed the security preparations, especially the installation of the CCTV. He said there is a need for it because like before, many members of the PBMA are expected to witness the trial.

Peras has scheduled the resumption of the trial on September 23, October 7 and 28 with the defense’s turn to present their evidence.

Quiñanola said the court has agreed to resolve the pending motion to have Ecleo back in jail by canceling his P1 million bail. The court has reportedly ordered the prosecution to re-file the motion to cancel Ecleo’s bail.

Salatandre said they will oppose the motion, as the prosecution is not an authority to declare whether or not Ecleo is already in good condition.

Salatandre said the defense will be presenting at least two more witnesses before winding up its case. As to whether Ecleo itself will sit at the witness stand, Salatandre said everything will “depend on the situation.”

The Ecleo trial was suspended for more than a year after the inhibition of Judge Geraldine Faith Econg. Her exit even stirred a controversy after then RTC Executive Judge Fortunato De Gracia denied the inhibition, which brought the matter to the Supreme Court.

The high tribunal later upheld Econg’s inhibition from the case. – Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)