DOJ orders filing of qualified theft vs Sing siblings

A family dispute over control and assets of a well-known Cebu-based auto parts business has taken a significant turn after the Department of Justice (DOJ) reversed earlier findings by the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office and ordered the filing of qualified theft charges against the siblings of the late Arturo Yu Sing.

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In a resolution dated March 3, 2025, obtained by The Freeman, the DOJ granted the petition for review filed by Arturo's wife, Anna Marie Sing, and their son, Aaron. The petition challenged the dismissal of their complaints against Arturo's siblings — Susana Yu Sing, Joseph Yu Sing, and Imelda Sing Copo.

The dispute centers on New Pioneer Auto Supply, a business Arturo Yu Sing built and operated as its sole proprietor.

Although Arturo had asked his siblings to help him with the business, documents and witness testimonies show that no formal co-ownership or partnership agreement was ever established—despite claims made by Arturo's siblings to the contrary.

When Arturo succumbed to cancer on February 17, 2024, his family alleged that his siblings unlawfully removed and sold business assets. This, they claimed, resulted in financial hardship and deprived them of their rightful inheritance.

The conflict escalated after Aaron was informed by a staff member that stocks and supplies had been removed without the family's authorization.

Private efforts to resolve the matter amicably failed, and Aaron and his mother were reportedly subjected to verbal abuse by Arturo's siblings. This led to the filing of separate cases for qualified theft and grave oral defamation.