Other side of the Causing case-9

By Modesto P. Sa-onoy

 

In clear language, the prosecutors who dismissed the cases filed against the Y-4 said – Olivia is no longer an owner of any property listed in this agreement until it is voided. Fortunately, last year I was able to secure a copy of the December 2017 “Amended Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate among heirs of Ricardo B. Yanson with waiver of rights”.

The settlement listed the properties that the six children divided among themselves and which Olivia waived. Therefore, by her own volition, she lost titles to them. In the list are four apartments, 185 square meters each, with improvements. That they have improvements means that these apartments predated the settlement of the Yanson family properties.

Emily, as co-heir has a, therefore, greater right over this property and had exercised that right unquestionably for over 20 years. Olivia is never reported or had claimed she ever questioned this right of Emily and the lease contracts she entered into through the decades. For whatever worth it is, Olivia’s silence or failure to exercise her perceived rights already stopped her from making any claim.

In effect, Olivia is alien to these properties until the courts say otherwise. To carry the implications further, her hirelings, Pugoy and Lopez can be considered intruders and their act of intimidation and coercion more deplorable and a greater offense.

The many followers of Olivia Yanson who wallow in this claim of Olivia’s ownership of numerous properties that were listed on the agreed settlement are not without expectations of reward. As with all courtesans, they would cater to the whim of their patroness that they believe would make her happy, and in return would make them a bit richer. We do not begrudge their choice and the patroness really love the adulation and the flattering.

Truly did Shakespeare write in his play, Julius Caesar: that our destiny or being underlings, is not due to the stars. However, my late friend, Beneldez Familiaran made a parody of these words that would apply to Olivia’s retinue. Belding said, “It is not in ourselves that we are stars but in our underlings.” People of power loved to be viewed as stars from a fawning crowd.

This is the tragedy of all the powerful in history. Indeed, by not providing their patron with wise advice even against the impulses of their patroness, they in fact pose as a danger to her. People in power loathe having a “devil’s advocate”.

The circle of people that cling to the side of Olivia Yanson live in their fool’s paradise because they probably believe or they made Olivia believe that she remained an owner of the vast wealth of the Yanson family to which Olivia claims the largest share. Thus, I would not be surprised if the cases filed by Olivia to take control over these properties against the will of her late husband was manipulated, not for her own good but for the benefit of the advisers.

The Causing case showed the flaws of the advice of people around her. She might have made the decision herself to strike at the Causings by forcing them to vacate by making the apartment unpleasant to stay. But if her retinue were loyal and trustworthy, they should have advised prudence and caution against the use of the bully tactics.

Of course, we see things from different perspectives and we do not know the character of Olivia. On the other hand, the cases she filed or filed in her name and the manner of effecting what she wanted, indicate a harsh personality, unbending and strong-willed.

I had wondered why she used other people to file cases against her children. Why does he resort to proxies? Is she afraid that if she were the complainant and the case reaches the court she would be called in to the witness stand and subjected to probing and even unpleasant questions? Perhaps not.

The Causing case is simple and need not have reached this far. Olivia could have offered a compromise with a refund and search for a better apartment. Or waited till the lease expired and then occupy the apartment to force Emily the burden of ejecting whoever would stay there.

So, why didn’t she? That’s a question worth pondering and writing about.