Ecleo’s DNA sampling reset

CEBU — 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 from Ecleo to July 7, after Ecleo’s lawyer agreed to reimburse the cost of the plane ticket of Manila-based forensic expert Raquel Fortun.

Judge Geraldine Econg 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 DNA sampling on Ecleo and one of his children.

Salatandre said he would elevate the matter to the Court of Appeals because he believes the DNA sampling has no basis.

Econg already denied Salatandre’s motion to exempt Ecleo from DNA sampling as the procedure does not violate the constitutional rights of a person.

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. — Rene Borromeo/ Freeman News Service