Acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra ordered to withdraw the criminal case filed against the former and current officials of the National Press Club (NPC) for the alleged "theft and illegal sale" of the Vicente Manansala painting at the NPC building in Intramuros, Manila.

In a resolution, Agra reconsidered his ruling indicting the respondents for the alleged "theft and illegal sale" of the Manansala painting. Agra directed the Manila Prosecutors' Office to withdraw the criminal case filed against the NPC officials: Roy Mabasa, Benny Antiporda, Loui Logarta, Amor Virata, Jun Cobarrubias, Jerry Yap, Alvin Feliciano, Joey Venancio, William Depasupil, Dennis Fetalino, Joel Sy Egco, Conrad Generoso, Rolly Gonzalo, and Samuel Julian.

Agra granted the appeal of the respondent-journalists and was convinced that there is no probable cause to indict them for violation of Article 308 in relation to Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code (qualified theft), and also violation of Presidential Decree 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law) against Odette Alcantara, who bought the mural.

Agra noted an earlier decision of Pasay City Regional Trial Court, which had declared that the NPC is the owner of the Manansala painting. (Jeamma Sabate)