Court allows Kris, Bimby to leave Phl, issues gag order

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) yesterday junked a petition to stop television host Kris Aquino and her son Bimby from going abroad.

Aquino’s estranged husband, basketball player James Yap, sought the hold-departure order (HDO) last March 20 from the court.

RTC Branch 144 Judge Judge Liza Marie Picardal-Tecson also issued a gag order on the case yesterday. Yap’s lawyer Lorna Kapunan told reporters that both parties requested the gag order.

Kris, youngest sister of President Aquino, is seeking a permanent protection order against Yap.

With the denial of the HDO petition, Kris and Bimby could fly out of the country today. It was earlier reported that the two would go to Paris Disneyland in France.

Reporters were not allowed inside the courtroom to cover the sensitive family court issue yesterday.

“We have a gag order from the court. Both parties asked for it. Let’s pray for all of them,” Kapunan said.

“You’ll get nothing. Our lips are sealed. We are going to respect the court. We are not giving any statement on what had happened because the HDO application has already been submitted for resolution,” said Kris’ lawyer, former solicitor general Frank Chavez.

Chavez added that the gag order would be in effect until the court decides on the merits of Kris’ petition for the issuance of a permanent protection order.

“The gag order is for the entire case. Not only for the parties and their counsels, even you,”  he said, referring to media.

On March 15, the court granted Kris’ petition for the issuance of a temporary protection order, which is valid for 30 days.

Chavez earlier said they would be presenting evidence to make the TPO permanent when the court resumes its hearings on April 8 and 10.

Kris appeared on television the other night, saying she is seeking a permanent protection order against Yap to protect the interests of her children.

She also announced that she was quitting all her three television shows.