Promulgation of Ecleo parricide case postponed anew

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Trial Court Branch 18 Judge Soliver Peras has again postponed the promulgation of Supreme Master Ruben Ecleo Jr.’s parricide and has tentatively scheduled it to February 29.

Ecleo’s parricide case was originally scheduled to be promulgated last December 16 but was postponed and was supposedly set yesterday.

Last Wednesday, the prosecution submitted their memorandum as required by the court.

In the said memorandum, the prosecution asked for Ecleo’s conviction beyond reasonable doubt saying the testimony of Josebil Bacolod, brother of Alona Bacolod-Ecleo was strong enough to convict Ecleo.

The prosecution team argued that alibi was the weakest defense which was allegedly used by the defense.

Josebil testified that he was inside Ecleo’s house in Forest Hills Banawa, Cebu City last January 5, 2002 when he heard his sister Alona asking for help from the master’s bedroom.

He added he rushed to the room where he saw Ecleo shirtless and drenched in sweat.

Last year, the defense team asked the court to acquit Ecleo for the parricide case claiming that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

“It should be remembered that the rules of credence apply more strictly in criminal cases because the degree of proof required to make a conviction is proof beyond reasonable doubt,” Ecleo’s lawyers said.

Ecleo was accused of killing his wife Alona but he denied the charges during his testimony before Judge Peras.

He said Alona was petite and has a height of not more than 5’1” contrary to the body of the woman whom the authorities recovered in Dalaguete town in 2002.

Ecleo said he was not convinced that it was Alona’s body found in Dalaguete town placed inside a garbage bag as the body was at least 5’5” tall. (FREEMAN)