Sandiganbayan orders PCGG to inspect Marcos assets in Surigao del Sur

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to conduct an ocular inspection of sequestered assets of the Marcos family in Lianga, Surigao del Sur that has been reportedly sold without government consent and now occupied by informal settlers

In a resolution promulgated on January 3, the Fifth Division granted the motion of Diatagon Labor Federation (DLF) compelling the PCGG to act on its request as it bids to become the caretaker of the remaining properties owned by Lianga Bay Logging Co. (LBLCI).

"The plaintiff, in coordination with the movant DLF, is ordered to conduct an investigation and/or ocular inspection of the reported dissipation of named establishments located at the property of Lianga Bay located in Lianga, Surigao del Sur," the Sandiganbayan said.

The government filed Civil Case No. 0024 in July 1987 with former President Ferdinand Marcos, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, businessman Peter Sabido, Luis Yulo, Roberto Benedicto, Nicolas Dehesa, Jose Tengco Jr., Rafael Sison, Cesar Zalamea and Don Ferry as defendants.

It aims to recover illegally-acquired assets of the Marcos family and their cronies, with additional moral damages worth P50 billion and legal expenses worth P1 billion.

DLF submitted at least 18 documents to the Sandiganbayan on November 23, 2018 in support of its allegation that some LBLCI-owned properties are being sold by some local officials in the area.

The PCGG opposed the motion of DLF. It said the documents failed to mention the certificate of title and specify the exact area involved, or this really was part of the assets of LBLCI.

The Sandiganbayan sided with DLF, saying the PCGG has the responsibility to ensure that all alleged Marcos assets are taken cared of before it rules on its reconveyance.

The Sandiganbayan noted the PCGG must check on the veracity of DLF's claims instead of "just sitting back and closing its eyes."

"Plaintiff may not conveniently renege on such duty to do so particularly as the movant, DLF through its officers, had expressed its willingness to cooperate in the conduct of the ocular inspection and preservation of the assets," the Sandiganbayan said.

"Thusly, the conduct of an investigation on the report of the alleged authorized disposal of LBLCI assets is not only necessary and proper, but timely as well," it added.

Associate Justice Maryann Corpus Manalac penned the resolution, with the concurrence of Associate Justices Rafael Lagos and Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

This civil case is among the 23 pending cases involving the Marcos family and their cronies at the anti-graft court.