Case Summary (G.R. No. L-33604-05)
Case Overview - Liwayway
In G.R. No. 77422, on February 12, 1987, the PCGG issued writs of sequestration over the shares of U.S. Automotive in Liwayway. The petitioners sought to annul these writs, arguing that the sequestration would prevent Liwayway from operating effectively and impede its editorial independence. They claimed that such actions would choke off its financial resources, harming their ability to publish. During hearings, the Solicitor General assured that the PCGG would not interfere with Liwayway's management or freedom of expression, leading to the Court’s decision to enjoin the Commission from interfering further.
Legal Proceedings and Findings - Liwayway
The Court addressed the conflicting claims made by the petitioners and the PCGG regarding Emilio Yap’s connections to the deposed President Marcos. The Court acknowledged that factual disputes should be resolved by the Sandiganbayan, which has exclusive jurisdiction over such matters. Ultimately, the claims surrounding the sequestration orders were deemed to warrant further examination in the lower court, but the Commission’s interference in Liwayway’s operations was permanently restrained.
Case Overview - Bulletin
In G.R. No. 79126, Bulletin Publishing Corporation contested the PCGG’s orders sequestering shares linked to former President Marcos and associates. The Commission attempted to vote these sequestered shares, which Bulletin argued would undermine its independence and violate constitutional protections of press freedom. They sought to prevent any government participation in their management or policy-making processes.
Legal Proceedings and Findings - Bulletin
On July 28, 1987, the Court granted a temporary restraining order against the Commission’s voting and management decisions regarding Bulletin. The Commission later determined it would no longer exercise voting power over sequestered shares, reinforcing Bulletin's independence. The Court underscored the significance of maintaining press freedom without government interference and thus rendered the temporary restraining order permanent. The legality around the cash deposit offered by Bulletin for the remaining shares under sequestration was also upheld, aligning with constituti
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Case Overview
- The cases are consolidated due to the commonality of parties and issues involved.
- G.R. No. 77422 involves Liwayway Publishing, Inc. and U.S. Automotive Co., Inc., while G.R. No. 79126 involves Bulletin Publishing Corporation.
- Both petitions challenge the actions of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) regarding the sequestration of shares.
Parties Involved
- Petitioners in G.R. No. 77422: Liwayway Publishing, Inc. and U.S. Automotive Co., Inc.
- Respondents: Presidential Commission on Good Government, Hon. Ramon A. Diaz, Deputy Minister, and Hon. Mary Concepcion Bautista, Commissioner.
- Petitioner in G.R. No. 79126: Bulletin Publishing Corporation.
- Common Individual Involved: Emilio T. Yap, who is a significant stockholder in both corporations.
Background of the Companies
- Liwayway Publishing, Inc.: Publishes a daily newspaper "Balita" and three weekly magazines.
- Bulletin Publishing Corporation: Publishes the "Manila Bulletin" and the weekly magazine "Philippine Panorama."
- Emilio T. Yap's Holdings: The largest stockholder in both companies, with significant shareholdings in Bulletin and a controlling interest in U.S. Automotive.
Sequestration Orders
- G.R. No. 77422: The PCGG issued writs of sequestration on February 12, 1987, on U.S. Automotive's shares in Liwayway.
- G.R. No. 79126: The PCGG sequestered shares related to former President Marcos and others in Bulletin on April 22,