Prosecution wants Ecleo on the witness stand

CEBU, Philippines - If the prosecution will be granted its wish, newly assumed Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo will soon be sitting on the witness stand for a rebuttal in the parricide case filed against him for the death of his wife, Alona, who was strangled in January 2002.

Lawyer Fritz Quiñanola of the prosecution panel said that they will file a motion for the issuance of a subpoena for Ecleo, so he could be present before the court as a hostile witness for the rebuttal in connection with the motion to cancel his bail.

The rebuttal was scheduled for this August 25, 2010.

However, Judge Soliver Peras said that the prosecution must furnish a copy to the defense, or Ecleo’s party, of the motion set to be filed. The defense will then be given five days to comment after they receive a copy.

Quiñanola said that if Ecleo will not appear in court, their plan is to have an alternative rebuttal witness, news reporter Gerome Dalipe.

“If Ecleo will not appear our alternative choice will be Gerome Dalipe, a newspaper reporter because he was able to interview Ecleo regarding the parricide case,” Quiñanola explained.

Meanwhile, lawyer Antonio Salatandre said that they will file a comment for the motion to be filed by the prosecution. He stressed that his client has the right to remain silent.

On the prosecution’s move for Ecleo to stand as hostile witness, Salatandre said, “They are fishing from the defense party.”

Ecleo was allowed temporary liberty in 2004 because of his health.

Previously called a “walking time bomb” supposedly because of his heart ailment, Ecleo, until now, has yet to undergo a coronary bypass.

Salatandre told reporters that if it were up to him, he wants Ecleo to have the bypass now. But he said this matter is up to Ecleo and his doctor, Roberto Anastacio.

“I’ll just leave the decision to them. It’s up to them to set the date,” said Salatandre. (THE FREEMAN)