Madrigal temporarily wins SC battle for aunt's inheritance

The Supreme Court has set aside two resolutions issued by a lower court that prevented former senator and losing presidential bet Ma. Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal from participating in a legal proceeding for the execution of her late aunt's will. Last October 18, the court's Third Division issued a status quo ante order that restored the prevailing situation before the Court of Appeals' issued two resolutions -- dated March 9, 2010 and July 22, 2010 -- denying Madrigal's plea to participate in the probate proceedings. Probate proceedings are done in court to effect a will and recognize the rightful heirs. "[The parties in the case] are hereby directed to maintain the status quo in this case prevailing before the issuance of the assailed resolutions," said the court's resolution, penned by Associate Justice Arturo Brion. Madrigal, despite being a multimillionaire, had figured in a controversy involving her family’s wealth and inheritance. In 2008, she filed a case before a Makati court questioning the validity of the last will and testament of her aunt, billionaire Consuelo Madrigal-Collantes. Madrigal was left out of the will that bequeaths Collantes’ wealth — which the court pegged at P26 billion — to her husband, nieces and grandchildren. The Makati court had allowed Madrigal to participate in the probate proceedings, but the Court of Appeals later set the trial court's decision aside. Madrigal served as senator from 2004 to 2010. She ran but lost in the 2010 May presidential elections. During the time of former President Joseph Estrada, she served as presidential adviser for children's affairs. — RSJ, GMANews.TV