A new round of legal and family conflict has surfaced within the prominent Yanson family of Negros Occidental during the commemoration of the late patriarch Ricardo Yanson Sr.’s 97th birthday.

The event, held at the Yanson Beach Club in Talisay City, was attended by over a hundred guests from business, political, and elite circles, but was overshadowed by renewed tensions between two family factions.

Shortly before the birthday dinner, representatives of the faction led by matriarch Olivia Yanson, along with her children Ginette and Leo Rey, held a press conference announcing a new warrant of arrest against four of Ricardo Sr.’s children, collectively referred to as the “Yanson 4” — Roy, Emily, Ma.Lourdes Celina, and Ricardo Yanson Jr.

The warrant, issued by a regional trial court in Bacolod City, stems from multiple counts of qualified theft related to alleged unauthorized withdrawals totaling over P803 million from a corporate bank account between August and October 2019.The case is linked to internal disputes within the Yanson Group of Bus Companies (YGBC), one of Southeast Asia’s largest bus conglomerates.

According to legal representatives, the Yanson 4 also face additional charges, including recommendations for further qualified theft cases in Pasig City involving over P300 million, as well as allegations of carnapping, falsification, and perjury.The dispute has been ongoing since 2019 and has divided the family into opposing camps, with unresolved corporate control issues at the core.During the press briefing, Olivia Yanson stated she is leaving the matter to the courts, expressing exhaustion over attempts at reconciliation.

Ginette and Leo Rey emphasized that they have already forgiven their siblings but insisted that any settlement must be initiated by the opposing side.Leo Rey also noted that previous attempts at mediation, including appeals to national leaders, had not resolved the conflict.

Despite the legal tensions, Ginette reflected on their father’s legacy and hoped the family would be reminded of unity and sacrifice as they marked his birthday.The situation highlights the continuing breakdown in relations within one of the Philippines’ most influential business families.