Concubinage case vs. Derek Ramsay, Angelica Panganiban withdrawn

MANILA, Philippines- Mary Christine-Jolly has dropped the concubinage complaint she filed against Derek Ramsay and his ex-girlfriend Angelica Panganiban.

Angelica was dragged in the case after allegedly living in with Derek, despite the latter's marriage with Mary Christine.

“Handling a good case is always bettered by a good settlement between the parties,” said lawyer Argee Guevarra, legal counsel of Jolly, in a statement sent to philstar.com this morning.

The withdrawal of the criminal complaint happened after Derek and Jolly finally arrived at a settlement, which they chose to keep private.

The settlement happened after Mary Christine's camp withdrew the violation of  Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act complaint against Derek, and planned to elevate the complaint to the Department of Justice.

“Derek and Mary can now move on with their lives but with a renewed realization and deepened sense of commitment to fulfill their parental responsibilities and obligations to their son, Austin,” Guevarra said.

“Although the legal battle exacted untold stress between the couple, Derek and Mary emerged as victors with their coming to an amicable settlement which is always a win-win solution for all litigants.”

Guevarra hopes that Derek and Mary Christine's case will “now serve as a template for others similarly situated and for those who have closely followed the drama to view family law from the prism of fair play and respect between husband and wife bearing in mind the best interest of the child.”