CA upholds ruling rejecting ‘Yanson 4’ bid to compel DOJ to act on petitions

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld its decision rejecting a petition by the siblings known as the “Yanson 4,” who sought to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve their pending motions in a family dispute over control of their bus companies.

The CA’s 5th Division, in a two-page resolution, ruled that Roy, Emily, Ma. Lourdes Celina, and Ricardo Yanson did not raise new arguments: “For resolution is the motion for reconsideration  filed by petitioner of Our Decision dated June 9, 2025. A perusal of the motion for reconsideration, however, elicits no new arguments  that have not already been previously taken up and judiciously passed upon in the Decision sought to be reconsidered.”

“Thus, to make another disquisition would be a superfluity. Wherefore, the motion for reconsideration is denied for lack of merit,” the CA added.

Penned by Associate Justice Ramon Cruz, the decision rejected the Yansons’ petition for mandamus, which sought to mandate the DOJ to resolve their pending motions within a specific period.

The siblings have argued that they are current corporate officers and board members of Goldstar Bus Transit Incorporated and Vallacar Transit Incorporated, both part of the Yanson Group of Bus Companies (YGBC). They also said they are involved in a legal dispute over control of the YGBC with other surviving heirs.

In total, the petitioners said they have 23 petitions for review and motions for reconsideration pending before the DOJ.

However, in the decision, the CA said ordering the DOJ chief would constitute judicial interference and violate the separation of powers.

“The Secretary of Justice is expressly granted the authority to decide how or when to exercise the duty to review resolutions issued by subordinates. In other words, the Secretary retains full discretion in handling cases elevated to his or her office,” the CA explained. – Rappler.com