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After being stalled for more than a year, the seven-year-old parricide case against cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr. resumed yesterday amid tight security.
A security guard from the Palace of Justice and a member of the Judicial Security Group stood at the door outside the courtroom to bar media from entering.
?We won't allow reporters to come in. We may be scolded,? a security guard said in Cebuano.
The staff of Judge Soliver Peras of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 declined to comment on the restriction.
Local media had to contend with interviewing the prosecution and deffense lawyers at the end of the hearing on Ecleo's bail.
Only one door was opened at the Palace of Justice so guards could easily frisk the visitors before being allowed to enter.
Members of the Department of Justice (DOJ) witness protection program, who secure witnesses, were armed.
Reporters brought the matter to RTC Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes who said a dialog will be held with judges and members of the Media Alliance for Truth and Equity next week.
CEBU DAILY NEWS asked Judge Peras why the media were barred from entering the courtroom.
The judge, however, told reporters to refer the matter to the defense and prosecution counsels.
A court staffer said Peras asked those who wished to attend the proceeding to inform them ahead of Ecleo's hearing to avoid a crowded courtroom.
Last month, Judge Peras agreed to allow reporters to cover Ecleo's trial except for photographers and cameramen whom he requested to stay outside the courtroom.
Among those who attended yesterday's proceedings were prosecution lawyers Kit Enriquez, Alfredo Sipalay, and Frit Quinañola; defense lawyer Orlando Salatandre; member of the Crusade Against Violence (CAV); and Angelito and Josebil Bacolod.
Josebil, who was at the house where her sister was killed, said he wanted Ecleo to be brought back to jail.
The court asked the prosecution to present their evidence supporting their motion to cancel Ecleo's bail.
Salatandre said they will present their witness on Oct. 25.
He said a doctor from the Makati Medical Center will testify to confirm that Ecleo is suffering from a heart disease.
Ecleo underwent examination to verifiy his health status.
Ecleo stands trial for parricide for allegedly killing his wife Alona, on Jan. 5, 2002.
But on March 1, 2004, RTC Judge Generosa Labra of RTC branch 23 granted a P1-million bail on Ecleo to allow the cult leader to seek medical treatment for his fragile health.
Dr. Generoso Matiga, a cardiologist of Perpetual Soccour Hospital, testified that Ecleo had no significant coronary disease.
But Matiaga changed his opinion after examining the cult leader.
Defense lawyers said Ecleo's test results were ?baseless? in determining whether or not his stay in jail would endanger his health.
