Nalzaro: Wheels of justice moving slowly in Ecleo case

THE wheels of justice in the much-publicized parricide case against Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) supreme master Ruben Ecleo Jr. are moving very slowly. Hearing of the case has dragged on for eight years now.

The cult leader is the primary accused in the case for the abduction and murder of his wife, Alona Bacolod. The killing happened in January 2002 yet. At least six judges have handled the case.

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This is a classic example of the saying that justice delayed is justice denied and is a clear violation of a constitutional provision. Section 16, Article 3 (Bill of Rights) states that, “all persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative bodies.”

This constitutional provision is being reinforced with the passage of Republic Act 8493 or the Speedy Trial Act of 1998.

I hope the trial of this case, which is pending before the sala of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Soliver Peras, will no longer suffer a snag, so justice will be served on both parties.

The Bacolods have been crying for justice not only for Alona but also for family members who were murdered by an assailant, a member of Ecleo's religious group. The lone gunman, though, was killed in a brief shootout with responding policemen.

It seems like justice is very elusive for the Bacolods. Nobody was charged for the killings of their family members. And who do you think masterminded the killings? Your guess is as good as mine.

Arbet Sta. Ana Yongco, lawyer of the Bacolods, was murdered by Ecleo's follower, Mitchel Favila, who died in jail recently before his case was terminated.

Ecleo has been granted temporary liberty after posting P1 million as bail because of health reason and has been enjoying his freedom. He is now a member of the House of Representatives representing his bailiwick in the island province of Dinagat.

If Ecleo is not wealthy and powerful, do you think he will be allowed to post bail?

This is what we call the double standard of our justice system.

But like any other accused, Ecleo is also entitled to speedy trial to find out if he is guilty or not. Unless, of course, he is the one maneuvering to further delay the resolution of the case.

Ecleo’s claim during the direct examination by his counsel was funny and unbelievable.

He claimed that the body stuffed in a plastic garbage bag and found in Dalaguete was not that of Alona. He said that the height of Alona and that of the cadaver do not match.

If it was not Alona, then where is she now? Why did she not surface after eight years?

Why did the Bacolods claim the body and give it a decent burial? The Bacolods were in the best position to identify Alona. Well, that's Ruben's defense and he is entitled to that.

I will not write further about the case because it is pending in court, or I might be accused of violating the sub judice rule. But I do hope that this case will be resolved soon and justice served on both parties.

(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/ bobby@sunstar.com.ph)