CEBU, Philippines - Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras has submitted for the court’s resolution without argument the motion for reconsideration filed by the prosecution panel in the parricide case against cult leader Ruben Ecleo, Jr. seeking to reverse his inhibition from the case.
Peras, who scheduled the hearing of the motion yesterday, decided to immediately submit it for resolution without anymore argument following the defense failure to appear and to submit its comment on the motion.
Peras said he would study the arguments of the prosecution and decide whether or not to withdraw his inhibition order.
He inhibited himself from the Ecleo case following media criticisms after he required members of the media and those who wish to attend the hearing to submit their pictures, apart from wearing their respective identification cards, as one of his security measures.
Peras said because he is “unsure” of the effect of these criticisms on his verdict if he continues to sit on the case, he deemed it proper to voluntarily inhibit himself.
Peras’ inhibition shocked both the prosecution and defense but only the prosecution sought for reconsideration.
Private prosecutor Fritz Quiñanola said they have found Peras to be fair so far and do not find media criticisms as enough ground for his inhibition. — Fred P. Languido/LPM (THE FREEMAN)