Businessman Ramon Cuervo III, founder of Cuervo Appraisers Inc., who is suffering from the life-threatening case of lupus, has filed a case of unjust vexation before the Pasig City prosecutor’s office yesterday.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Eulalio Ventura, Cuervo filed the case against his maternal uncle—cousin of his mother—Javier “JJ” Calero, a retired advertising executive and CAI director for allegedly causing a lupus flush or flare to worsen his condition.

“I bring this case of unjust vexation before the city court on behalf of thousands of lupus patients who are also suffering from unjust and inhumane treatment in the workplace.”

After learning of Cuervo’s case, Ventura said he volunteered pro bono, knowing his client.

He said unjust vexation could be filed against those who cause physical violence, irritates, annoys, or torments an individual.

Cuervo said he had been eased out of his company and those who took over were not even appraisers.

He told reporters in yesterday’s conference held at Max Tiendesitas that he would devote himself to increasing public awareness on lupus.

“Through the resolution of this case, I hope to further my advocacy to help increase public awareness on this disease with the hope of making our attitudes, policies and laws covering lupus patients more responsive to the plight of the lupus victims and help them maintain their dignity in living as they fight the disease.”

Cuervo, 54, was diagnosed with lupus in 1996 at the peak of his career. His father pioneered the practice in the ’40s.

“We cannot allow discrimination to happen. All my life I have been an appraiser. And the one who replaced me is not even an appraiser and not a Cuervo.”

On crutches, he claims his mounting medical bills hover between P30,000 to P50,000 a month; lupus has reached his kidneys and hipbones.

He was joined in the conference by members of the Luisa Foundation led by Lisa Cojuangco-Cruz, who said 90 percent of around 2,000 lupus cases were women.

She said the group was holding their meeting every first Saturday of the month at the Angelo King Hall of the University of Sto. Tomas.

“The disease is like a wolf in its mimicking or hiding under various illnesses. The victims of lupus are often not understood by their communities, sadly even by their own families.”

Source:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police2_sept9_2008