Ecleo’s moves delaying tactics says prosecution

THE prosecution panel said the camp of fugitive Ruben Ecleo is using ‘delaying tactics’ by seeking the inhibition of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Soliver Peras of Branch 10 who earlier convicted Ecleo of parricide.

Prosecution lawyer Kit Enriquez told reporters the latest motion seeking the judge’s withdrawal was a “rehash” of a previous motion for reconsideration.

Enriquez also said the entry of a new defense lawyer Noel Archival has not yet been made clear to them.

Last Tuesday Archival filed a motion to enter his appearance as Ecleo’s new lawyer.

Enriquez questioned the authenticity of the signature of Ecleo which appears in Archival’s pleading.

“If Ecleo and his counsel are really convinced of his innocence then he should appear before the court and affirm his manifestation. As far as we are concerned, he is a fugitive,” he said.

“If you want to file am appeal, you have to be there present and explain why you were not around.” .

Enriquez said the prosecution has full trust in the judicial system and sant Judge Perez to handle the hearing.

Enriquez said that they have asked the court to hold the hearing on November 27 and filed their comment.

Last April 13, Ecleo was found guilty of parricide for killing his wife Alona on Jan. 5, 2002.

Ecleo, the supreme master of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, was meted a prison term of reclusion perpetua or 20 to 40 years and ordered to pay fines and damages worth P26.3 million.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government raised the bounty for Ecleo’s capture to P2 million.

Ecleo was earlier convicted of graft and corruption for anomalous transactions when he was still mayor of San Jose town in Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte.

Ecleo has been expelled as congressman of the Dinagat Island following the Supreme Court affirmation of his graft conviction.