Executive minister Manalo, top officials no show as CA hears INC case

The Court of Appeals hears the petitions for writs of habeas corpus and amparo against the INC leaders on November 3, 2015.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and other top INC officials did not show up at the Court of Appeals on Tuesday (November 3), where they were ordered to face former INC minister Lowell Menorca II.

Menorca accused the INC officials of illegally detaining him and his entire family at INC main compound in Quezon City.

Manalo and the leaders of the INC Council, including Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago, and Rolando Esguerra, did not appear in court. They were, however, represented by their lawyer, Atty. Patricia Ann Prodigalidad. She said Manalo is currently out of the country and the three council leaders were unaware that they were required to make a court appearance.

The Court of Appeals is hearing the petitions for writs of habeas corpus and amparo against the INC leaders.

Their lawyer asked the court to dismiss petitions filed against them as "moot and academic."

Court of Appeals Seventh Division Chairman Justice Magdangal de Leon said the court first has to hear the side of the petitioners.

Lowell Menorca II appeared before the court together with his wife, Jinky and their daughter, Yurie. Jinky's twin sister, Jungko, also attended the hearing.

Source:

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/11/03/Iglesia-Ni-Cristo-INC-Executive-minister-Eduardo-Manalo-CA-hears-INC-Menorca-case.html#.VjhN-xLMEHp.facebook