Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto turned herself in to authorities upon her arrival from the United States on Wednesday.
As per an arrangement set by Quinto’s lawyer and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the star voluntarily surrendered to NBI agents pursuant to the arrest warrant released by the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Flying from San Francisco, California in the US, Quinto’s plane touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at past 5 AM on January 8.
She was taken to a Pasay court after undergoing a medico-legal examination.
Quinto is facing 14 counts of violation of Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code. The law stipulates that the solicitation of shares and investments should be preceded by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of a registration statement.
Atty. Mary Louise Reyes clarified that her client has not been indicted for large-scale estafa.
“She will face those charges ... mag-voluntary surrender siya and magpo-post po kami ng bail for that. She's worried kasi hindi naman totoo ‘yung allegations kasi my client is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser,” Reyes explained.
(She will face those charges … she will voluntarily surrender and we will post bail for that. She’s worried because the allegations against her are untrue, as my client is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser.)
She further disclosed that the company, Dermacare - Beyond Skincare Solutions, failed to give a downpayment and their checks to compensate for Quinto’s endorsements all bounced.
“Lahat po ‘yan hawak naman namin ‘yung ebidensya, ipe-present namin sa court,” Reyes added.
(We hold all that evidence, we will present them in court.)
In September 2023, the SEC issued an advisory against Dermacare, stating it was not registered and does not possess a license to sell securities, and that legal action may be taken against its salesmen, brokers, dealers, agents, promoters, influencers, and endorsers.
