Harp, Pennisi seek TRO, file case vs DOJ

Davonn Harp and Mick Pennisi have sought a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to stop the Bureau of Immigration from conducting summary deportation proceedings against them.

At the same time, the two Red Bull players filed a petition for a court order to reverse the Department of Justice’s decision to revoke their Certificate of Recognition.

Harp and Pennisi filed the case at the Pasig Regional Trial Court through their legal counsel Atty. Alex Lacson.

On Monday, Lacson is to file position papers at the Immigration Bureau questioning its jurisdiction over Harp’s and Pennisi’s case.

Lacson said the judiciary is the one that should decide the case.

Rudy Hatfield and Alex Crisano have reportedly sought an injunction too in the Manila RTC.

Meanwhile, former Sen. Robert Barbers slammed Asi Taulava for filing a case against the PBA for his suspension following the resolution made by the DOJ.

"He even has the temerity to file a lawsuit against Filipinos who were trying to follow the rule of law as ordered by the Department of Justice," said Barbers, the chair of the Senate committee on games, amusements and sports that conducted a thorough investigation on the "Fil-Sham" case.

Barbers advised Taulava not to toy with our judicial system especially now that the present government is sincere in making reforms in the country’s justice system.

"Taulava has crossed the barrier of our legal jurisprudence. I support the stand of the PBA that the lawsuit filed by Taulava against the PBA would seal with finality the Fil-Sham case and set a precedent on the process of hiring foreign players with supposed Filipino blood to play in our country," Barbers said.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala had his own advice to Taulava in the face of their looming legal battle over the player’s bid to be reinstated in the league.

"Asi Taulava should stop hiding behind legalities and instead answer directly the Department of Justice’s charges against him," said Eala.

Taulava filed a P1.2 million damage suit in the Quezon City Regional Trial Court versus the PBA commissioner and the league board Thursday after he was slapped an indefinite suspension following the resolution made by the Justice Department on the "Fil-Sham" case.

Taulava is also seeking an injunction that would force the PBA Commissioner’s Office to lift his suspension.

"It’s unfortunate that he has to resort to something like this. While I admit that he has his rights to pursue legal remedies. I still believe that he should have been more prudent in dragging the league into a situation like this," said Eala.

"I think he should have first taken care of his case with the DOJ and the (Manila) RTC regarding the injunction case. Forcing the issue to play in the PBA is not going to help him as a person. He might be able to play because of a court order. But that doesn’t help him redeem some of the things he may have lost with the DOJ resolution," Eala added.

The PBA commissioner said they’re ready to face Taulava in the court.

"In fact, I’ve already finished some proposals to the board in reaction to Taulava’s move," said Eala.