GSIS files anti-fencing raps vs NPC

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has filed criminal charges against the board of directors of the National Press Club (NPC) and an art gallery owner over the sale of a mural painted by the late national artist Vicente Manansala.

In a complaint filed with the Manila prosecutor’s office on June 27, the GSIS accused the respondents of selling and buying the mural, painted on a lawanit wall of the NPC building, for P10 million.

The GSIS claims it had acquired the NPC building and the land on which it stands in an auction conducted by the Manila city government in 1975.

The GSIS said the property was forfeited to the city government because the NPC failed to pay real estate taxes.

In its complaint, the GSIS named Heritage Galleries owner Odette Alcantara as the “buyer” of the alleged “stolen property” while the “sellers” are NPC officials Roy Mabasa, Benny Antiporda, Louie Logarta, Jun Cobarrubias and Amor Virata as well as directors Jerry Yap, Alvin Feliciano, Joey Venancio, William Depasupil, Dennis Fetalino, Joel Sy Egco, Conrad Generoso, Rolly Gonzalo and Samuel Julian.

The GSIS had earlier filed charges of “qualified theft” against the NPC officers and directors before the Manila prosecutor’s office in connection with the sale of the mural. The case has been submitted for resolution, according to the GSIS.