Ecleo explains absence from hearing

CEBU, Philippines - Dinagat Representative Ruben Ecleo, Jr., the prime suspect in the death of his wife, Alona, submitted to the court his explanation on his failure to attend the hearing last week.

Ecleo’s lawyer, Orlando Salatandre, Jr. in his five-page compliance/explanation said that the congressman was not able to appear during the hearing as he was attending an important matter involving another case in Sandiganbayan.

Salatandre said that the absence of his client was not intended to cause any delay in the parricide case that his client is facing before the Regional Trial Court Branch 10.

He added that Ecleo has been recently beset with legal predicament involving his conviction in three criminal cases for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 before the Sandiganbayan last October 13, 2006.

The said case was brought before the Supreme Court on petition for review on certiorari but was denied.

A motion for reconsideration was filed but the Sandiganbayan First Division issued on February 4, 2011 a warrant for Ecleo’s arrest.

Ecleo, through his counsels, then filed an extremely urgent motion for issuance of a temporary restraining order last February 11, 2011 with the Supreme Court, praying that the warrant of arrest against him will not be implemented.

Ecleo’s lawyers likewise filed a motion to recall the warrant of arrest last February 14, 2011 before the Sandiganbayan but it was denied on February 17, 2011. On February 22, 2011, they filed a very urgent motion for reconsideration on the said denial praying that it will be reconsidered.

He added that Ecleo will attend the hearing on March 9, 2011 and other future hearings.– (FREEMAN)