Judge limits number of people in Bella Ruby hearing

CEBU, Philippines - As agreed by the parties, Judge Ester Veloso of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 6 issued an order citing only one person for each side will be allowed to attend the hearings for the kidnapping with homicide case filed against Bella Ruby Santos.

The order came after Renante Pique, the father of a slain victim, was almost stabbed allegedly by one supporter of Santos outside the Marcelo Fernan Hall, Palace of Justice on January 28, 2013.

After that incident, Veloso called for a meeting wherein both counsels for the prosecution and the defense were present. Veloso likewise invited Judge Macaundas Hadjirasul, chairman of the security committee of the Palace of Justice.

The said meeting centered on the security of the litigants in the case after Pique was almost stabbed.

In a one-page order, Veloso said such setup is effective until the termination of the case.

“After much discussion, both counsels agreed that there would only be one person for each side who would be allowed to attend the hearings of this case.”

“This means that Mr. and Mrs. Pique, as well as the accused Bella Ruby Santos may bring only one companion each, so as to avoid any further untoward incidents and to maintain order during the proceedings,” the order further reads.

Prosecution lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna told The FREEMAN that “this is a welcome order as this can protect the Pique family from further harassment.”

Lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo for the defense said they agree with the order.

The incident happened on January 28, 2012 after Pique and his family attended the supposed pre-trial of the kidnap-slay case of six-year old Ellah Joy.

Pique claimed that after the hearing, the supporters of Santos who were waiting outside the courthouse confronted them about Santos’ arrest and detention.

One of the supporters allegedly had a barbecue stick and attempted to stab him. Fortunately, he said, he was able to evade. He reported the incident to the Fuente Police Station.

Next hearing is set on March 11, 2013. (FREEMAN)