Settlement sought on child custody case
The Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) said it is looking for ways to secure an amicable settlement in a child custody case involving businessman Glenn Anthony Soco and the mother of his one-year-old son.
A preliminary conference was held at the Capitol yesterday but Soco and his parents, who were included as respondents in the petition for habeas corpus and custody of minor filed by Dannieth Zapanta, failed to show up.
Despite the no-show, Prosecutor Lolita Lomanta said both parties through Soco’s lawyer Deoito Alvarez agreed to submit written proposals and settle the matter “as soon as possible.”
Lomanta, a family court prosecutor tasked by the PWC to preside over the mediation as part of its technical working group (TWG), said the two parties will meet privately before their next scheduled preliminary conference.
“At the outset, we asked them if they have an earnest desire to settle this and they said yes. Hopefully, we can realize that goal,” Lomanta told reporters.
Amicus curiae
Zapanta filed the petition last Nov. 26 after she was allegedly denied access to her one-year-old son “following an incident between her and Soco,” Lomanta said.
Named respondents were Soco and his parents, Adelina and Guillermo.
Lawyer Alvarez said Soco could not be present in the conference since he was in Manila for a business trip.
The Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 24 tasked the PWC headed by Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale to act as “amicus curiae” and explore an out-of-court settlement between both parties. The court hearing for child custody petition is set on December 22.
Yesterday, Zapanta emerged from the Vice Governor’s Office in tears and was accompanied by Magpale and her family members. She declined interviews.
Resolution
Lomanta described the discussion as “emotional,” adding that it was hard for Zapanta to contain her emotions as the conference went on.
In his official statement, Soco said he will let the court handle the case and that he hopes for the “most appropriate resolution.”
“It is sad and unfortunate that it has come to this. I love my son so much that I am only concerned with his best interest and welfare,” said Soco, who also works as a newscaster for TV 5.
If the PWC fails to come up with a settlement, Lomanta said the petition will be returned to the court to decide the next step.
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