Man pretending to be an undersecretary, nabbed for estafa

A former employee of the First Family is facing multiple complaints after he allegedly used President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos’ name to deceive individuals and businesses. 

According to Vonne Aquino's report on "24 Oras," the suspect allegedly introduced himself as an undersecretary who could facilitate government projects in exchange for commissions.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested the suspect in a hotel in Pasay City based on two outstanding warrants for estafa. 

According to CIDG Chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, the suspect used the First Family’s name to scam contractors and business owners.

Authorities reported that the Office of the Special Envoy for Transnational Crime had filed a complaint against the suspect for allegedly misrepresenting himself as an influential government official. 

He reportedly promised to secure government projects for contractors in exchange for a 3-5% commission.

“They are using this to encourage people, to dupe people into believing that they can actually influence the outcome of procurement processes, especially bidding and supply contracts. So hindi totoo iyon,” Torre said.

Investigation showed that the suspect was a legitimate employee of the First Family before the President assumed office.

"During the election he is among the persons who is handling the IT matters, IT infrastructure, engagement on social media. So marami siyang mga nagawa at ginawa pero yun nga lang nalihis ng landas," he added. 

(He had done some work before that actually helped the family, but unfortunately, he deviated from the right path.)

Apart from the two estafa cases already filed by separate complainants, the PNP-CIDG is building additional cases against the suspect. 

Authorities estimate that he may have defrauded multiple victims, with contract deals amounting to hundreds of millions of pesos.

“Kaya kami ay nananawagan din sa iba pang nilapitan nitong taong ito na baka kayo ay nakapagbayad ng downpayment ng pera, you can file your complaints with us,”Torre urged.

(We are calling on other individuals who may have been approached by this person or have made payments to come forward and file their complaints with us.)

GMA Integrated News attempted to obtain a statement from the suspect, but he remained silent. Meanwhile, Malacañang has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter. –Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News