Cult leader needs bypass: doc

CEBU CITY -- A “very significant level” of progress has been noted in cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr.’s heart ailment but his doctor advised him to “think seriously” about undergoing surgery.

Cardiologist Roberto Anastacio of Makati Medical Center also told the court Wednesday that Ecleo is still a “walking time bomb” and a perturbed environment and sudden change of weather can affect his health condition.

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Anastacio also said there is an “irregularity” in the suspect’s heartbeat, a sign that Ecleo is still suffering from a coronary heart ailment.

Anastacio took the witness stand Wednesday and testified about his medical findings on Ecleo at the sala of Judge Soliver Peras of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10.

Peras was hearing a motion for cancellation of the P1-million bail of the “supreme master” of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA).

Tight security was implemented Wednesday inside and in the premises of the Palace of Justice. Ecleo was assisted by his lawyers Orlando Salatandre Jr. and Giovanni Mata.

Last March 1, 2004, Ecleo posted a P1-million bail before Judge Generosa Labra of RTC Branch 23 after his lawyer presented medical results showing that his health condition was worsening and that he would drop dead due to his heart disease.

Anastacio said Ecleo’s mother, Representative Glenda Ecleo (Surigao del Norte), approached him in 2004 to have the accused undergo a heart checkup.

Ecleo was complaining of chest pain, the doctor said.

Ecleo also smoked two packs or 40 cigarettes per day and he has a family history of coronary disease. 

Anastacio said Ecleo underwent an electrocardiogram and the irregularity in the latter’s heart beat was discovered.

When Ecleo underwent his latest medical examination last Jan. 18, 2010, Anastacio said he suggested to his patient to undergo heart surgery.

But after the hearing, prosecution lawyer Fritz Quiñanola dismissed Ecleo’s reason to stay out of jail.

Quiñanola distributed copies of official ballots showing that the suspect is seeking a congressional seat in Surigao del Norte in the May 10 elections.

Quiñanola refused to comment on the testimony of Anastacio, saying that they will reserve their argument during the resumption of the hearing on April 14.

The Bacolod siblings Ricky, Nino and Yosebil, anti-crime advocates, Dinagat Mayor Gwendolyn Ecleo, Ruben’s mother and some cult members also attended the two-hour hearing.

The suspect declined to grant media interviews.

His sister, Mayor Gwendolyn, who cried at times during the hearing, said she hopes the present circumstances happening to her brother will not happen to others. (GMD of Sun.Star Cebu)