MAILBOX: Come clean

Gentlemen:

Cruz Marcelo and Tenefrancia (CMT) previously wrote a letter dated Dec. 16, 2014 bringing to your attention the one-sided and libelous articles of Victor C. Agustin (Agustin). CMT pointed out that Agustin has singled out CMT for libelous attacks to favor Atty. Arthur Villaraza (Villaraza) and his law firm Villaraza and Angangco (VAT). It was likewise pointed out that Agustin readily wrote what was fed him without verifying the facts nor seeking the side of CMT. These were not denied by Agustin. On Jan. 9, 13, 20, 2015, another series of libelous and false articles against CMT were written by Agustin.

In his recent libelous attacks, Agustin callously failed to see that due to the reckless acts of disconnecting utilities without due notice to floors occupied by CMT in CVCLAW Center, the lives of all building occupants, including the employees of VA, were put in grave danger. Consequently, upon inspecting the building, Taguig City building officials warned that if orders to restore utilities and elevator service to said floors were not complied with, the “revocation or invalidation” of the certificate of occupancy of the building could follow and further administrative sanctions would be imposed. Also upon inspection, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) warned that unless utilities are restored, it may cause your Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) and other ancillary clearances issued by this office to become null and void.” The treacherous attack clearly backfired as it put the entire building in danger of a lockdown as well as the cancellation of its permits.

Ironically, while Agustin labeled CMT as a “powerless” firm, he missed the point that VA is now whining that CMT allegedly wielded power in getting immediate action from Taguig City officials and BFP. They fail to see that these public officials merely acted out of their sworn duty to save people’s lives put at risk by wicked acts.

Thankfully, what took months of malevolent planning, considerable expense and clandestine work was readily undone with all utilities restored in just a matter of days. Since the 72-hour TRO was no longer necessary, its application was denied by the court. CMT business continued as contingency measures kicked in. CMT is now seeking a court injunction to prevent such malevolent acts from being committed again.

After previously reporting that utilities have been restored, Agustin later misleads readers into believing that the situation recklessly and irrationally inflicted on innocent individuals persists. In reality, the mastermind of the treacherous attack must be frothing in the mouth and berating his minions at the swiftness with which that situation had been remedied. Even female lawyers sent by their master to bar official action wilted realizing that they may be criminally liable for doing so.

Agustin recently focuses on supposed renewed negotiations between the parties. This exposes the true commercial motive behind the actions of those who now face serious criminal charges for their malicious deeds. The fallout for this ill-conceived attack has just begun.

Despite the delay sought by VA in the ongoing litigation which Agustin misrepresented to be at the instance of CMT, a court declaration of the dissolution and eventual liquidation of what was once CVCLAW is clearly evident from these reckless acts. This includes the undoing of all acts done on the basis of baldfaced misrepresentations.

For Agustin to appear lustily cheering at the sidelines while innocent lives are put a grave risk for crass commercial reasons taints The Philippine Star, as its space is used as a tool to serve petty selfish interests. With his evident bias and false reports, Agustin should simply come clean and yield his byline to his sick and polluted source.

Very truly yours,

CRUZ MARCELO & TENEFRANCIA

By: JOENATHAN P. TENEFRANCIA

MIGUEL U. SILOS