Copyright 2000 AFX News Limited  
AFX - Asia
June 5, 2000 Monday

SECTION: COMPANY NEWS

LENGTH: 190 words

HEADLINE: ASB Group creditors ask SEC to reconsider debt payment reprieve, receiver

DATELINE: MANILA

BODY:
     Seven creditors of the privately-owned ASB Group of Companies have asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to reconsider its decision granting ASB debt payment reprieve and appointing a receiver.

The Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp, Philippine National Bank, Prudential Bank, Union Bank of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Bank and Equitable PCI Bank have submitted their opposition, asking that the SEC set aside its May 4 order.

On that date, the SEC granted the ASB Group a 60-day reprieve for debt repayment and prevented the property firm from disposing of its assets. ASB has loans totalling 12.7 bln pesos.

The regulatory body also agreed to the firm's petition to appoint an interim receiver.

The creditors said the ASB Group "possesses sufficient property to cover its obligations" and that its petition therefore is insufficient.

The creditors added that the ASB Group's interim rehabilitation plan is "defective" and "at best, vague with ill-defined objectives."