Concepcion withdraws motion to intervene

MANILA, Philippines - Two days after the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted their petition to intervene in the trial of monopoly and cartelization against Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Caltex Phils, Inc., and Petron Corp., businessman Raul Concepcion and the Consumer and Oil Price Watch (COPW) had asked the court to withdraw their motion.

Through his legal counsel Elias Cresencio, Concepcion filed yesterday a two-page “Motion to Withdraw Motion for Leave to Intervene as Petitioner” before the sala of Judge  Silvino Pampilo Jr. of Manila RTC Branch 26.

Concepcion cited as grounds for the withdrawal of the motion that he and the COPW “will pursue the remedies in other venues considering the recent developments in the oil industry and in the regulation thereof.”

The ‘motion to intervene’ was filed by Concepcion on March 9, 2009.

On April 20, Concepcion, and the COPW were allowed to intervene in the trial of monopoly and cartelization case against Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Caltex Phils, Inc., and Petron Corp. before the Manila RTC Branch 26.

In granting the petition for intervention of Concepcion and COPW, Judge Pampilo said they are consumers of petroleum products who have interests in the subject of litigation.

Pampilo noted that the Supreme Court has ruled that the legal interest entitling a person to intervene must be in the matter in litigation and of such direct and immediate character that the intervenor will either gain or lose by direct legal operation and effect of judgment.