Couple going after Tanay property titled to Ligots

MANILA, Philippines—Individuals who say they are the real owners of a Tanay, Rizal property that the government is seeking to recover from former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot have insisted that they should be allowed to intervene in the forfeiture case against him.

In their reply to the prosecutors’ comment on the matter, Shelley and Felipe Perez said they have a right to a portion of the seven-hectare portion lot in Tanay because they and several military officers and personnel are its true owners.

According to the Perezes, Ligot only acted as their representative during the sale because the original owner only wanted to deal only with a single buyer.

Government prosecutors earlier told the Sandiganbayan, where the forfeiture case is pending, that the Perezes’ motion should be dismissed because the property in question is covered by a transfer certificate of title in the names of Ligot and his wife Erlinda.

The prosecutors noted that no memorandum of encumbrance, which would show other valid claims, was subsequently registered. They added that based on the title, the Ligots are the sole owners of the land.

But the Perezes said in their reply that the original owner of the lot, Maria Violeta Melendres, had already testified that a portion of her property was sold to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines through Jacinto Ligot.

Melendres had testified that she only came to know Ligot when the AFP members and their dependents came to her with the intent to buy a portion of her property. She had told the buyers that she only wanted to deal with a single buyer to avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple buyers and the preparation of numerous documents. She then requested Ligot to represent all the buyers.

She further testified that Ligot only held the property in trust for the other individuals.

The Perezes said they intend to present several pieces of evidence, including Melendres’ affidavit on the circumstances behind the sale and the Deed of Absolute Sale between Ligot and the other lot owners.

“Movants’ sole purpose in requesting to be allowed to intervene is to protect their rights and preserve their interest in the subject property,” they said, adding that they just want their properties to be excluded from any forfeiture the court may order.

Ligot is facing a forfeiture case for allegedly amassing ill-gotten wealth when he was still with the military. Members of his family were also included in the case.