Grandparents battle in court over Enzo’s sons

MANILA, Philippines – A Makati court heard yesterday morning a petition filed by the parents of murdered race car driver Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor to have guardianship over his two sons.

In their seven-page opposition, Tomas and Remedios Pastor asked Regional Trial Court Branch 136 to transfer guardianship to them, allow them custody of the children and dismiss the Sept. 1 petition filed by the parents of Enzo’s widow, Dalia Pastor, that they be allowed to exercise permanent guardianship over the boys, ages six and nine.

Enzo’s parents said the petition filed by Dalia’s parents – Xavier Guerrero and Valerie Oosthuizen Guerrero – is a “ruse” as they do not have basis to be issued letters of guardianship and rights of custody over the two boys.

The Pastors alleged that the Guerreros filed the petition “obviously to control and dispose the properties and businesses inherited (by the two boys), while Dalia… hides from the eyes of the public in order to avoid the pending murder charges against her for the death of (the boys’) father.”

They also questioned the moral and social character of Dalia’s parents, saying they are “aiding and abetting” their daughter, who remains at large after being charged.

Ashes

Talking to reporters after the hearing, Remedios lashed out at Dalia’s family for not allowing her son’s cremated remains to be buried at the crypt prepared by the Pastor family and for not giving them access to Enzo’s sons.

She said the last time the Pastors saw Dalia was on the 40th day after Enzo’s death, when they held a dinner to mark his passing. Remedios said Dalia agreed to the arrangement that 100 days after Enzo’s death, his ashes would be put to rest. By that time, Dalia had fled.

Remedios said when they spoke to Xavier, he reportedly refused to give them Enzo’s ashes.

“They got it all, they got to do what they wanted. Their daughter fooled my son. It’s too much. What else do they want?” she said.

Lawyer Enrique dela Cruz, who represents the Pastor couple, said Dalia’s parents do not have a reason to bar Enzo’s parents from seeing their grandchildren.

He said in the next hearing, each side will show why the other side should not have custody of the children.

“What is so compelling that they would deny the Pastors to see the grandchildren? What have they done wrong that they need to go to court to get visitation rights? When the boys’ father was alive, the children would be brought to them for visits. It’s so sad,” added Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz said the court will scheduel a date to hear the Pastors’ petition for visitation. He said the petition for visitation would be filed within the week.