DFS Guam has today asked Guam’s Superior Court for a temporary restraining order to stop its concession transferring to Lotte Duty Free next week.

But this followed an earlier and seemingly strategic move by Lotte Duty Free earlier today when the company finally decided to object to the appointment of Judge Vern Perez on the grounds of his relationship with a key witness in the case.

This has a particular significance of timing, as the matter of appointing a judge now becomes the first order of legal business to be heard ahead of DFS’ restraining order request.

All of which is happening just a week away from the supposed formal handover of the concession next Saturday night at midnight.

Appreciative noises from Guam International Airport Authority Executive Manager Chuck Ada, following civilised contact between DFS and Lotte last weekend and related to the forthcoming mechanics of next week’s handover are now looking just a little premature.