Rarely does this column pivot from its default theme — advocating for Muslim peaceful co-existence with non-Muslims and the concerns of Mindanaoans, especially the Bangsamoro. When it does, it means the issue is of utmost importance that might adversely affect the interest of Mindanaoans.

Readers, my attention was caught by the legal face-off between two giants in their respective industries — real estate conglomerate Megaworld and construction firm Datem with a Quadruple A rating under its belt. 

Megaworld's promotion tagline reads: "The Philippines Most Awarded Township Developer." One of its projects is the Davao Park District, the first township project in Mindanao on 11 hectares, and this is what sparked the interest of this column lest the project "go south."

The effect of the controversy that Megaworld is embroiled in might spill over to the Davao project, leaving Mindanaoans holding the proverbial bag. Plaintiff Datem averred, as cited in the Writ of Preliminary Attachment, or WPA, issued by the court, that "defendant has also evaded its obligations to its other contractors and has disposed of units in the projects by sale despite not having paid for the work done." That's a cause for worry, if true.

Let's pedal back to how it started. The facts were succinctly recited in a court document reported in the media. 

"Plaintiff (Datem) alleged that Megaworld Corporation (defendant) obligated itself to pay P873,324,248.89 under a Mutual Agreement on Turnover of Contracts (mutual agreement) executed on 28 September 2022. The mutual agreement is a settlement agreement between plaintiff and defendant covering accomplished works undertaken by plaintiff…"

To cut to the chase, the defendant failed to pay the plaintiff despite repeated demands. In the Civil Case for Collection of Sum of Money, the plaintiff applied for a WPA, which the Court granted after a summary hearing. The Court also observed that "the Complaint and Judicial Affidavit of Norman S. Bautista show circumstances of fraud… such equates to defendant's insincerity in paying the amount due to the plaintiff, knowing fully well that it was already in default." (Bautista is the head of the Contract Management Department of Datem.)

The importance of the issue is illustrated by the prominent reporting accorded by mainstream media. The corporate eminence of the parties, giants in their respective industries, is a magnet for public attention. And judging by the media statements of the protagonists, the tiff is heating up.