A long-simmering internal conflict within the Lopez family has escalated into a legal battle after the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted a preliminary injunction in favor of businessman Federico “Piki” Lopez, following his removal as head of the Lopez Group of Companies.
The dispute traces back to Lopez’s ouster as president of the conglomerate by his cousin, media executive Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III. Reports indicate that Eugenio planned to replace him with his younger brother, Raphael “Raffy” Lopez.
According to Piki Lopez, the decision to remove him stemmed from his refusal to approve a ₱2 billion capital allocation for ABS-CBN Corporation, the family’s flagship media network. He cited unresolved financial auditing concerns, warning that the funds could potentially be used for executive payouts.
ABS-CBN has continued operations despite the non-renewal of its 25-year legislative franchise during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In its ruling, the Mandaluyong RTC ordered Eugenio, Raphael, and other members of the Lopez Group’s Board of Directors to refrain from interfering in company operations or making abrupt decisions until April 1. The order effectively blocks any move to remove Federico Lopez from his leadership position during this period.
The outcome of the dispute carries significant implications, as the Lopez Group oversees several major corporations, including Lopez Holdings Corporation, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, First Gen Corporation, and Energy Development Corporation.
With control over key sectors such as media and energy at stake, the legal confrontation is expected to shape the future direction of one of the Philippines’ most prominent business empires.