Employees declared their support for the “ousted” president of a Bacolod-based transit company despite the declaration of the rival groups’ counsel that the takeover is legal.

Hernani Braza and Franny Santarin, representing the employees of Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) in Western and Eastern Visayas, said they are standing behind Leo Rey Yanson and his mother, Olivia, pending final determination of a court case and other possible settlements.

“Please cease and desist from using force or any abrupt takeover of the management or administration of these companies, which will create tension or confusion and disturbance of industrial peace,” the employees’ statement read. “Until the final resolution of the matter is out, union members and employees of the company shall comply with the orders and directives of the status quo company.”

Yanson, fondly called LRY, president of the transport company that includes the Ceres Bus Liner, was replaced by elder brother Roy after a “special meeting.”

The decision was reportedly approved by the board that included three other Yanson siblings―Emily Yanson, Lourdes Celina Y. Lopez and Ricardo Yanson, Jr.

Leo Rey’s camp said the takeover was invalid because according to VTI rules, the president must call for the special meeting or approve the request for holding one.

Last year, the Yanson matriarch sued her four allied children for leaving her out of her late husband Ricardo Sr.’s multi-billion inheritance.

Another child, Ginnette Y. Dumancas, is not part of the squabble.

Lawyer Sheila Sison of the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firms and counsel of Roy Yanson, said the bus firms’ services continue and there will be no layoffs. She also insisted on the validity of the takeover because four board members constituted a quorum.

Ceres Negros Football Club will face Kaya Iloilo in the Philippines Football League at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, at 3:30 p.m. today. The players are dedicating the match to their embattled chair.