MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested a man accused of exploiting the First Family’s name to swindle individuals in government procurement schemes.
In a press briefing on Friday, CIDG Chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III identified the suspect as a 49-year-old individual, known only by the alias Simeon, a resident of Pasig City. He was apprehended on Thursday at a hotel in Pasay City under a warrant for estafa issued by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.
According to Torre, Simeon falsely claimed to be an “undersecretary” and offered government contracts, asking victims for advance commissions between 3-5% of the contract price. “He introduced himself as a Usec, selling contracts and asking for kickbacks. Several people have already filed complaints against him,” Torre said.
Despite his deceptive claims, the suspect was arrested dressed in a piña barong at a five-star hotel, an image far removed from the respectability of the First Family, whose name he misused. “The First Family would never tolerate such behavior,” Torre emphasized.
The suspect has since posted a PHP90,000 bail and is also under investigation by the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes (OSETC).
The CIDG urges any other victims to come forward and warned the public about similar fraud schemes.
“Don’t believe anyone claiming connections to the government to peddle contracts. The government will not tolerate these actions,” Torre added.
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