A “poet” once said, “mo’ money, mo’ problems…” This rings true recently when the business community was rocked with a new “scandal”—which is much welcome, like an ostrich in the middle of the road—not involving the Covid, the pandemic, or government funds.  

Two faces emerge in this story—Josie Natori and Doris Magsaysay-Ho. Both are CEOs and known for their philanthropic work and business acumen, dominating their fields in the company of men. Both, according to various reports, also demurred when asked to comment about this issue, blaming the quarantine for keeping mum.  

Well, the issue is all about land, land, and more land. This is not an extraordinary problem as even the common tao has problems with land, rent, sale, or eviction. But what made the headlines is the fact that matters have become complicated because of a lot of zeroes, specifically at a staggering P3 billion.

“In hindsight, the issue is a common problem. What complicates the matter is the fact that, aside from the huge property, the companies are represented by these powerful female CEOs,” says Rolando Teves, a real estate broker. “And nothing says drama when people pit together these two women, who may not be or are not even aware of the hullaballoo around them.    

‘In hindsight, the issue is a common problem. What complicates the matter is the fact that aside from the huge property, the companies are represented by these powerful female CEOs.’

Take away the astronomical prices and the society nameplates, then it is a very simple problem.

Let’s say, Aling Josie’s company has a piece of land in Cebu. Aling Doris, who also has a company, decides to lease a certain portion, or around one percent.  

They sign a leasing contract, which would expire in 2008 and everyone shakes hands, opens bottles of beer, and do videoke. Everyone is happy.

Fast forward to 2008. Aling Josie’s company is satisfied with its tenant because it pays on time and takes care of the property well. Thus, Aling Josie’s company decided to give Aling Doris’ company the option to buy the leased land at a very friendly rate.

But instead of taking up the offer at that time, what Aling Josie heard was crickets. Nada.

As a gesture of goodwill, Aling Josie’s company extended the lease for another decade, ending in 2018.  But this is where the twist—and the animosity—begins. Aling Doris now wants to buy the land at its 2003 value (when it was first offered for sale).  Aling Doris’ company just does what businesses do, which is to lessen cost. Of course, any sensible person such as Aling Josie would disagree with the proposal of Aling Doris. She cannot sell a land as precious as that for such a measly amount.

But Aling Doris wants to stay put. She even says her rights were “violated.”

A standoff ensues. Cue in the lawyers. Cases are filed between the parties. One files in Manila, another files in Cebu (so this is another complication). Show-business insiders are now fluttering their wings on both sides to see who flinches first.

Natori’s company, Mareco, already filed a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction, simply stated as eviction by force. If this is Aling Josie, this means she is now at the barangay hall, asking the barangay captain to evict her tenant. Yes, in our law, a barangay captain is empowered to mediate between lessor and lessee. And this is something that’s happening on a more regular basis, considering that a lot of lessees are now defaulting on their rental payments because of the quarantine.

But we’re talking about billions, business empires, sterling reputations, and land, land, and more land. A barangay captain can only wait and see what the next saga would be.  

So what’s the lesson here for you and me? First, land is very important and people go to court to fight for it. Second, communicate well. This would not have happened if they just talked properly. And last, the super and mega rich may not be like you and me, but like what that poet once said, yes, it’s mo’ money, mo’ problems.