Ecleo to undergo coronary bypass

CEBU, Philippines - To support their claim of a heart disease, a cardiologist from the Makati Medical Center yesterday said that Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association supreme master Ruben Ecleo needs to have a coronary bypass.

Dr. Roberto Anastacio told the court that Ecleo, arrested eight years ago for the killing of his wife, Alona, needs a coronary bypass to improve the blood flow to his heart.

Prosecutors did a cross-examination yesterday on Anastacio, who early this year testified that Ecleo’s condition may cause him “sudden death.”

Yesterday’s hearing was a continuation of the hearings on the motion that the prosecution filed seeking the cancellation of the P1-million bail granted to Ecleo.

Ecleo is accused of killing his wife Alona Bacolod in 2002. RTC Branch 23 Judge Generosa Labra granted Ecleo’s bail in 2004 for humanitarian reasons, after findings on his heart condition was presented.

But for the prosecution, Ecleo is not as sick as he claims to be. In earlier interviews, prosecution lawyers had cited Ecleo’s move to run for congress.

Anastacio claimed that he found a severe blockage in Ecleo’s heart. He added, though, that “it can wait for about several months.”

Lawyer Kit Enriquez of the prosecution yesterday asked Anastacio if Ecleo’s disease is “severe” or is “okay.”

Anastacio answered that it is up to Ecleo whether he will consent to a bypass. “I don’t have the right to force him,” said Anastacio.

Ecleo, who was elected as congressman in Surigao del Norte last May, told the court that he is willing to have the bypass after he takes his oath of office.

He added that being in politics is not stressful as he enjoys helping people. He also said that politics in Cebu is not the same as in his place Surigao. The prosecution also asked if Anastacio was aware that Ecleo attended a rock concert in Manila just last March. The doctor said he did not know of this, although he explained that Ecleo is a musician.

“It can’t stress him because it’s his passion and he is happy. As long as he won’t take alcohol and drugs there, there’s nothing wrong with it,” said Anastacio.(FREEMAN NEWS)