Bacolod lawyers ask judge to reconsider inhibition

CEBU, Philippines - Lawyers of the Bacolod Family formally asked Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras to reconsider his decision to inhibit from the parricide case against Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association supreme leader Ruben Ecleo Jr.

In an interview, lawyer Fritz Quiñanola said they filed their formal motion for reconsideration in the hope that Peras would reconsider his decision so as not to further stall the trial of the case.

Peras is the seventh judge handling the controversial seven-year-old case. Ecleo was charged with parricide for allegedly masterminding the killing of his wife Alona Bacolod.

Peras’ inhibition came as a surprise to both the prosecution and the defense. The judge issued his two-page inhibition order after the court and members of the media could not agree on the coverage of the case.

Quiñanola said they are asking Peras to continue hearing the case because the supposed feud has nothing to do with the parties of the case themselves, but only between Peras and the media. He said Peras’ inhibition will only delay the conclusion of the case.

“Re-raffling to another sala will only take us time, we are hoping that this case will be concluded before next year ends. We find Peras to be fair and objective in handling this case, I hope he will reconsider our motion,” he said.

RTC Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes said the inhibition will become final after 15 if no motion for reconsideration will filed by either the prosecution and the defense. 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 the judges in Cebu will inhibit from handling it.

Paredes said Peras’ inhibition might create precedence for other judges to also inhibit by merely citing media criticisms as ground for inhibition. – Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (FREEMAN NEWS)