Today, November 30, 2024, Neri Naig-Miranda's legal team made an official statement regarding the ongoing charges against her.
Atty. Aureli Sinsuat Flo, co-counsel for Neri, reiterated their commitment to adhering to the sub judice rule, which restricts public commentary on pending court cases.
Nonetheless, the legal team underlined their focus on Neri's defense and the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Read: Get to know "Wais Na Misis" Neri Naig Miranda
They first expressed regret over not being informed about the charges prior to their filing, stating that this lack of communication prevented them from addressing the issues beforehand and offering Neri's side of the story before the case escalated to the courts.
The statement also highlighted that similar complaints filed against Neri in other venues had already been dismissed, further strengthening their confidence in her eventual vindication through proper judicial processes.
Lastly, the legal team extended their heartfelt gratitude to the public for the unwavering support that Neri has received from fans, members of the media, and fellow content creators during this challenging time.
Their official statement reads in full:
"In compliance with the sub judice rule, we are unable to make any statements on the cases pending against Neri Miranda before the courts. It is unfortunate that Neri was not informed of the charges against her beforehand, as we would have been able to properly explain her side even before this reached the courts.
"We note, however, that similar complaints filed against her in other venues have already been dismissed. We are confident that Neri will be vindicated of these charges through proper judicial processes.
"We appreciate the heartfelt support that Neri has received from numerous individuals in the press and on social media."
Read: Neri Miranda recalls becoming entrepreneur at age 10: "Nangunguha ako ng kaning baboy"
NERI'S ARREST AND LEGAL BATTLE
Neri remains at the center of a high-profile legal case, following her arrest on November 23, 2024, for 14 counts of violating the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) and for syndicated estafa.
Despite being granted bail for the SRC violations, the non-bailable syndicated estafa charge prolongs her detention at the Pasay City Jail Female Dormitory.
The charges are connected to her role as an endorser and franchisee of the beauty clinic Dermacare, which allegedly misled investors with promises of high returns and post-dated checks that later bounced.
Neri's connection with Dermacare began in October 2020, when she became an endorser and franchisee of the company.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had issued an advisory in September 2023, warning that Dermacare was not authorized to accept investments, and Neri's public disassociation from the company followed shortly after.
However, the SEC filed charges against her in May 2024, and now she faces the possibility of hefty fines and significant prison time.
Read: EXPLAINER: Neri Naig's syndicated estafa and securities code violations
On November 28, broadcasters Alvin Elchico and Doris Bigornia interviewed SEC Director Filbert Catalino Flores III on their TeleRadyo program.
Flores explained how Neri's role as an endorser led to her involvement in the case.
"Ang nakuha naming impormasyon po ay siya po ay naghikayat ng mga investments dun sa Beyond Skin Care. Yun po yung kumpanya na iniimbestigahan po.
"Sa Securities Regulation Code, ang Section 20 na binanggit po, ang kailangan po kapag ang isa ay involved sa buying and selling ng securities po, investment contracts, etc., e, iyan po ay kailangan nakarehistro sa SEC.
"Pero kapag ang sinabi, 'Mag-ano kayo, magandang investment to, kasi kikita kayo ng ganito, kikita kayo ng 10 percent or something,' pagkaganon na po, involved na kayo sa buying and selling of securities.
"Kailangan rehistrado na po kayo."
Under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), estafa refers to acts of swindling, deceit, or fraud aimed at obtaining money, property, or anything of value from another person.
Examples of estafa include issuing checks that bounce or signing contracts with no intention of fulfilling the agreed terms.
Those convicted of estafa can face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
On the other hand, the more severe charge of syndicated estafa carries a penalty of life imprisonment.
According to Presidential Decree No. 1689 and court rulings, syndicated estafa involves a group of five or more individuals conspiring to defraud investors of their money.
As of now, it remains unclear who else, aside from Neri, has been implicated in the syndicated estafa case.
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