DEVELOPMENT in the ‘family saga’ involving the heirs of deceased taipan Mariano Nocom Sr., that we have discussed here previously is getting thicker each passing day.

To recall, I already tackled the imploding drama some columns ago starring the heirs and relatives of the late business magnate who were fighting for the wealth and business interests he left behind.

Although the issue is a bit private in nature, I deemed to give it some space because it could affect not only the main parties involved, but also thousands of their employees, once the courts decide on the matter.

Nocom Sr. might not be as popular as Henry Sy Sr., John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan and other more high-profile business leaders and “taipans,” but he certainly stands alongside with them as giants of the country’s industry.

He arrived in the country in the early 1900s and through sheer hard work, fortitude and determination had succeeded in building a business empire under his flagship, ‘Salem Investment Corporation.’

His business interests include numerous buildings and ownership of vast properties in various prime locations in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

But despite his great business sense, he made one big mistake– when he failed to make his last will and testament before he passed on and which is the reason why his heirs are now immerse in litigations before the courts.

On one side of the dispute is Mariano Nocom Jr., the eldest son and namesake of the old man, and on the other end is Albert Nocom, who, if Mariano Jr. is to be believed, is not his biological brother despite him bearing their surname—Albert, the family members know and insist is only adopted into the family.

It would have been just another ordinary battle among heirs if not for fact that Albert now allegedly controls most of the family’s wealth and holdings through cunning and machinations, according to the version of Nocom Jr.

Informed quarters are confident that this ‘telenovela-like’ yet real life squabble could be heading into its logical conclusion which is for the court to order a DNA test be conducted on the contending parties.

Actually, that is the best way to cut short this family melodrama.

After all the younger Mariano was telling to the courts and those who were willing to listen that he will not hesitate to give to Albert his just share, albeit he has to prove first that they are indeed brothers.

However, Albert’s continued refusal to submit himself to court-administered DNA test is convincing kibitzers and all those following the case that he could indeed be a fake Nocom.

If reports reaching to me are true, more names are being dragged into the case and if Albert is concerned about the welfare and image of their family and company, then the more prudent thing to do is to accept the DNA test challenge, ASAP.

That way, the ‘day of reckoning’ would finally arrive and the issue of who should, and who should not, rightfully administer the late tycoon’s businesses would be settled minus the scandal, emotional and psychological stress all parties are suffering right now, to include the employees of Salem Investment—their very future and security of employment are also at stake, after all.

Having said that, the ball is obviously in Albert’s court and if he insists on declining the DNA test, then the court may have to decide not in his favor.

Abangan!