‘Let me appeal my conviction’

FUGITIVE cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr. asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to declare null the lower court’s order denying his bid to appeal his parricide conviction before the higher court.

Ecleo’s Manila-based lawyers filed the petition for certiorari, prohibition and mandamus asking the CA to set aside the order of Judge Soliver Peras, who denied his motion to transmit the case records to the CA and to voluntarily inhibit from the case for lack of merit.

The defense argued that Peras promulgated the case on April 13, 2012 allegedly without the notice required by the Rules of Court.

Peras, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 10, allegedly stripped Ecleo of his rights and remedies pursuant to existing rules, the defense argued.

Prosecution says Ecleo’s latest pleading is a mere ‘scrap of paper’ since only of his three lawyers complied with the mandatory continuing legal education required by the Supreme Court

But the prosecution said Ecleo’s latest pleading is a mere “scrap of paper” since only one of his three lawyers complied with the mandatory continuing legal education required by the Supreme Court.

Defending Peras

In denying Ecleo’s his motion, Peras cited the failure of Ecleo to surrender within the required 15-day period after the promulgation was handed down.

The three volunteer prosecutors— Democrito Barcenas, Alfredo Sipalay and Kit Enriquez and Fritz Quiñanola—agreed with the judge, and said Ecleo’s pleading before the CA should be dismissed for lack of merit.

They also said Peras ruled “in accordance with the law.”

Meanwhile, the judge said the defense was harping on the alleged defect in the service of notice of promulgation.

Peras said Ecleo’s former lawyer Orlando Salatandre informed his sala that all notices should be sent to Ecleo’s house in Forest Hills, Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe. And these were.

The judge also said various media outlets aired the rescheduling of the promulgation day and this was also monitored by Ecleo’s supporters.