Ecleo DNA sampling reset

The judge in the Ruben Ecleo Jr. parricide case has granted defense counsel Orlando Salatandre's request to move the taking of the DNA samples to July 7, after Ecleo's lawyer agreed that he would reimburse Manila-based forensic expert Raquel Fortun of her plane tickets.

Judge Geraldine Econg also warned Salatandre not to make another motion to delay the sampling and the trial. She said only a temporary restraining order from a higher court can stop her from conducting the sampling on Ecleo and one of his children.

Salatandre said he would elevate the matter to the Court of Appeals because he believes the sampling is baseless.

Econg already denied Salatandre's motion to exclude Ecleo from DNA sampling because the procedures does not violate the constitutional rights of a person.

After an hour's deliberation yesterday, it was decided that the DNA sampling would not be done through blood extraction but by saliva. Econg said blood extraction might give Ecleo's child an unforgettable traumatic experience.

Edabel Pagulayan, head of the National Bureau of Investigation forensic chemistry department, will conduct the sampling. Fortun will also receive samples for a separate forensic analysis.

Ecleo, supreme master of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, is accused of killing his wife whose body was found placed inside a garbage bag in barangay Coro, Dalaguete town, a few years ago.

Although parricide is a heinous case, Ecleo is enjoying his temporary liberty after posting a bail of P1 million.