Court Dismisses Fraud Case Against Suspects Impersonating as Senator Gatchalian’s Staff
The court has dismissed a fraud case against several individuals who pretended to be staff members of Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian.
On Wednesday (December 20, 2023), the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 115 decided to dismiss the case filed against Dina Joson Castro, Ma. Luisa Barlan, and another arrested individual due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The court has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to release the three individuals while continuing the case against Ryan Lester Dino and another suspect.
Recall that several people were arrested in November on charges of soliciting payment for alleged contracts to become suppliers for reclamation projects in Pasay City.
In November 2023, Dino was arrested with an identification card claiming that he worked in the senator’s office. According to a victim named “Jhun,” the suspects allegedly demanded P500,000 for a landfill supply contract for a reclamation project.
Another victim came forward, stating that the suspects requested P700,000 in payment. Senator Gatchalian had previously condemned the incident, denouncing the impersonation of his office for what he described as criminal activities.
The court’s decision to dismiss the case indicates that it found insufficient evidence to support the charges against three of the accused individuals. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings will continue against the remaining suspects.
Compelling evidence in legal matters is necessary for thorough investigations. The pursuit of justice will continue for those involved in the suspected fraudulent actions about the senator’s office, even though the court has discharged three people for lack of evidence.
Previously, banks rejecting national IDs should be penalize – Gatchalian
The social media users expressed their reactions to the court’s decision:
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