'Binay dummy' fails to convince senators he owns Batangas property

MANILA, Philippines - Businessman Antonio Tiu on Wednesday failed to convince the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-committee that he owns the alleged "Hacienda Binay" in Batangas.

Testifying at the sub-committee hearing, Tiu said his recent investment, the 150-hectare Sunchamp Agri-Tourism Park in Rosario town, was acquired from Gregorio Laureano for P400 million in 2013, which was later increased to P446 million.

Tiu said the amount will be paid in installments and an P11 million down payment has been made.

After his presentation, Blue Ribbon Sub-committee chair Sen. Aquilino Pimentel asked Tiu if he has the property's transfer certificate title (TCT) under his name.

Tiu then told Pimentel that what he has bought is the "usufruct" of the land or the right to use the land.

"'Yung TCT upon the completion after nai-turn over sa akin, saka nila matatangap yung next tranche na payment," Tiu explained.

Asked if he is the owner of the property at present, Tiu told Pimentel: "I'm the owner over the rights."

"Magiging owner din po tayo," he also said.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes pointed out that in past media interviews, Tiu claimed that he owns the property.

But Tiu told Trillanes that he is the owner of the farm. He said in the agricultural sector, there is a difference between ownership of the land and ownership of the plantation.

Pimentel said Tiu should have consulted with his lawyer before appearing at the hearing so that the issue of ownership will be clear to him.

"Sa mata namin hindi ikaw ang may-ari sa ngayon. So why are you here?" Pimentel told Tiu.

The businessman is allegedly a "dummy" of Vice President Jejomar Binay, the purportedly real owner of the controversial property.