March 24, 1999-Lotus R5 launch at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. On the same day, Microsoft holds its "Dare to Compare!" campaign in the vicinity of the Lotus launch. The campaign compares Lotus R5 with Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5.

March 30, 1999-In a Holy Tuesday impromptu press conference, Lotus Software Philippines Inc. managing director Victor M. Silvino accuses Microsoft Philippines of trying to disrupt the R5 launch.

April 5, 1999-Infotech breaks out the story on the "word war" between Silvino and then Microsoft Philippines general manager (now managing director) Darren G. Lockie. Silvino claims that the "Dare to Compare!" campaign was unethical and unprofessional. Lockie replies that what he considers "unethical is Mr. Silvino going public with false and baseless accusations."

April 15, 1999-A complaint is filed with the Bureau of Immigration questioning the status of the work permit of Lockie, who is an Australian national with British citizenship. The complainant turns out to be Benigna Montalvo Silvino, Victor's mother.

June 7, 1999-Infotech breaks out the story on the BI investigation. Silvino neither confirms nor denies that Benigna is related to him, while in an e-mail interview Lockie accuses Silvino of having set out "to effectively have me kicked out of the Philippines."

June 9, 1999-Office 2000 launch at the Dusit Hotel Nikko. Lockie is not present, as he is reportedly in Singapore attending to personal matters.

Nov. 16, 1999-Silvino and Lockie have a confrontation near the main entrance of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, resulting in a shouting match.

Nov. 17, 1999-Just after midnight, Silvino and his mother proceed to the Makati Police Station's Criminal Investigation Division, where he issues his voluntary statement about the incident with Lockie.

Dec. 14, 1999-The Office of the Clerk of Court of the Makati City Metropolitan Court officially receives Criminal Case No. 278388 from the Makati City Prosecution Office. This is the case filed by Silvino for alleged grave threats uttered by Lockie during the Nov. 16 confrontation against Silvino and his mother. The case is assigned to MTC Branch 63.

Feb. 7, 2000-Lockie files his counteraffidavit.

Feb. 17, 2000-Windows 2000 launch. Lockie is not present, as he is reportedly in Singapore attending to personal matters.

Feb. 21, 2000-Infotech breaks out the story on the pending criminal case.

March 30, 2000-The scheduled arraignment of the case, which coincides with a massive transport strike. Lockie attends, but the hearing is postponed to May 16.

April 3, 2000-Silvino and Lockie file a joint motion to dismiss Criminal Case No. 278388.

April 6, 2000-The joint motion to dismiss is submitted to the court for hearing. A ruling has yet to be announced.