The owner of the Yanson group of companies seeks probate during her lifetime to show a sound mind and free will
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Billionaire Olivia Villaflores Yanson, the matriarch of the clan that owns one of Asia’s biggest bus fleets, has received a legal greenlight for probate of her will that leaves only two of her six children as heirs to the family business empire.
Since the death of Ricardo of a heart attack on October 28, 2015, the family has been engaged in a tumultuous feud, which has included the physical struggle for control of its vast bus terminal in Bacolod City. Bernad’s decision said Section 1, Rule 75 of the Rules of Court, does not allow a probate court to “inquire into the intrinsic validity of the will or the disposition of the estate by the person leaving behind a legacy.”
Olivia, however, told the court that even before February 13, 2019 she had several discussions with her lawyers before she approved the will.