Agra backpedals, clears NPC executives in Manansala mural sale

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Alberto Agra has taken back his decision to indict former and current officials of the National Press Club for the supposed “theft and illegal sale” of the Vicente Manansala mural in the NPC Building in Intramuros, Manila.

Agra reversed his earlier resolution and ordered the Manila prosecutors’ office to withdraw the criminal case filed against the NPC officials Roy Mabasa, Benny Antiporda, Loui Logarta, Amor Virata, Jun Cobarrubias, Jerry Yap, Alvin Feliciano, Joey Venancia, William Depasupil, Dennis Fetalino, Joel Sy Egco, Conrad Generoso, Rolly Gonzalo, and Samuel Julian.

In a four-page resolution signed last June 11, Agra granted the appeal of respondents and agreed that there is no probable cause to indict them for violation of Article 308 in relation to Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code (qualified theft), and also violation of Presidential Decree 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law) against Odette Alcantara, who bought the mural.

Agra cited an earlier decision of Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112, which declared that the NPC is the owner of the Manansala painting at the time it was removed from the wood-framed wall of the NPC Building. This court ruling, according to him, was “new evidence” presented by respondents in their appeal.

“NPC’s ownership over the subject painting was proven in a full-blown trial,” he explained. “One cannot steal what one owns.”

Agra ordered prosecutors to report to him within five days the actions they have taken regarding the case.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) had filed charges the NPC for selling the mural for more than P10 million. GSIS claimed the work was their property since they allegedly own the land and the building.

A similar complaint was earlier dismissed by then justice secretary Raul Gonzalez for lack of probable cause.