Regine Velasquez appears in court over sale of van

MANILA, Philippines - Singer Regine Velasquez on Thursday testified before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court regarding a case she filed against two auto dealers two years ago. Velasquez was accompanied by her legal counsel, Charito Zamora and boyfriend, singer-actor Ogie Alcasid. She testified in a closed-door hearing before the sala of QCRTC Branch 92 Presiding Judge Samuel Gaerlan. However, court personnel refused to reveal the contents of Velasquez’ testimonies after Gaerlan granted the manifestation of the singer’s lawyer that her testimonies should be treated as confidential. It was the first time that Velasquez testified before the court since the case was filed in 2006. Records showed that Velasquez filed the civil case against Severino Oliva and Derick Oliveros who sold her a defective P3.5-million worth of Ford E-150 multipurpose van on August 2, 2005. Before buying the van, Oliveros allegedly assured Velasquez that the van was brand new and that it was in perfect condition. Velasquez agreed to buy the vehicle and paid an earnest money of P200,000. The singer also made it clear to Oliveros that she was willing to pay P3.5-million for the vehicle on the condition that the van was brand new and would not exhibit problems. Oliveros allegedly assured her on both counts and a contract of sale was signed between Velasquez and Oliva as the seller on August 2, 2005 wherein the singer paid the amount of P1.4-million as down payment. Two weeks after the sale, Velasquez brought the vehicle to Baguio to test it. On her way home, Velasquez discovered that the van could only run up to 20 kilometers per hour (kph) and that it could barely make it up her garage. Velasquez immediately told Oliveros about the van's defect of the van but the latter insisted that it should be brought to Ford, Pasong Tamo since he knew the owner. Velasquez refused to bring the van to Ford. After the van was checked in another motor shop, the singer discovered that the van’s overdrive function, converter clutch, pressure control, solenoid, shift solenoid and pressure control were faulty. Velasquez again informed Oliveros about the defects of the van and was promised that the vehicle will be looked into. When Oliveros failed to fulfill his promise, Velasquez stopped using the van for three months. But when she resumed using the van, Velasquez further discovered the other defects of the vehicle which were repaired. Several meetings were held between the two parties until the legal counsel of Velasquez and Oliva’s counsel agreed that the singer has the option to return the van to him and that the down payment or the sales transaction will push through but the purchase shall be consider reduced given the van’s condition. Velasquez, however, opted to return the van upon the return of the down payment less the amount of P200,000. But Oliva rejected the singer’s proposal and did not communicate anymore with Velasquez which prompted the latter to file the civil suit. In her complaint, Velasquez asked the court to order the rescission of the contract of sale between her and Oliva, return the subject vehicle to Oliva and return to her the down payment of P1.4-million. The singer also asked the court to order the defendants to pay her the amount of P3,773.00 as actual damages; P100,000 as moral damages; P50,000 each for exemplary and attorney’s fees. Meanwhile, the court has ordered Velasquez to appear again on the next hearing set on July 17 for the cross-examination. - GMANews.TV