Peras inhibiting from Ecleo case; move of judge surprises prosecution and defense

CEBU, Philippines - The inhibition of the seventh judge handling the parricide case against cult leader Ruben Ecleo, Jr. has surprised both the prosecution and the defense panels, who are all hoping that the trial of the seven-year-old case will soon be concluded.

Defense counsel Orlando Salatandre and one of the private prosecutors, Fritz Quiñanola, both said they are surprised to receive the two-page inhibition order of Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras.

“Na-surprise gyud ko,” Salatandre said over radio station dyLA.

Salatandre did not expect Peras to use the media criticisms as ground for his voluntary inhibition.

According to Salatandre, he thought that if Peras would inhibit himself it would be based on the apprehensions earlier raised by Thelma Chiong, president of the Crusade Against Violence, that he and Peras are townmates in Zamboanga del Norte.

Salatandre said it is unfortunate that the case will have to be delayed some more because of Peras’ inhibition.

He however said that the defense will make an oral manifestation today seeking for reconsideration.

Salatandre said he will give some insights that might enlighten Peras to reconsider his order.

Quiñanola on the other hand said that the prosecution panel has yet to discuss their next move.

He however admitted that he personally does not see the need for Peras to inhibit because he still finds him “fair” in handling the case.

RTC executive judge Meinrado Paredes said the inhibition will become final after 15 days if no motion for reconsideration is filed from both parties.

Paredes said, as soon as the inhibition becomes final, the case will be raffled to another judge.

 Paredes admitted they have also discussed the possibility of referring the case to the Supreme Court especially if all of the judges in Cebu will inhibit from handling it.

Paredes said that Peras’ inhibition might create a precedent for other judges to also inhibit by merely citing media criticisms as ground.

Paredes talks of the possibility of the transfer of the venue of the trial to Manila or Mindanao.

Chiong, however, vehemently objects to the move.

According to Chiong, there are still other judges in Cebu who can handle the case. Chiong said she did not like the reason of Peras saying it was very “shallow.”

“Wala gani siya mo-inhibit sa akong pagsaway nga kababayan sila ni Salatandre unya mo-inhibit siya tungod lang sa picture nga iyang binuhatan,” Chiong said.

“Dili maayo nga rason na kay media will always be there,” Chiong said. – Fred P. Languido/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)