5 Legacy officials to face estafa charges in CDO

MANILA, Philippines - Prosecutors in Cagayan de Oro have found probable cause to charge officials of Legacy Group of Companies with three counts of syndicated estafa. The charges was based on the complaint filed by three individuals who claimed that they have been duped into investing a total of P2.9625 million into the Legacy Consolidated Plans Inc. (LPCI) and Legacy Card Inc. (LCI). Among those to be charged is the company’s former president and owner Celso delos Angeles, who is also mayor of Sto. Domingo town in Albay province. Aside from Delos Angeles, also named respondents are Conrado Carreon, Carolina Hinola, lawyer Christine Antenor Cruz-Limpin, and Basilio Ponciano Carpio. Prosecutors alleged that the respondents were “in conspiracy with each other in pursuing this aim." The prosecutors however moved for the exclusion of five other respondents in the information sheet, namely lawyer Norman Tiongson, Rita Maniacup, Martin Nicolo Delos Angeles, Atty. Victorino Delos Angels and Purita Delos Angales. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said three counts of syndicated estafa would be filed before the Misamis Oriental Regional Trial Court based on the resolutions issued by CDO Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag. Gonzalez said once the charges have been filed, warrants of arrest would be issued on the respondents who would be detained until the case is decided in court. No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty. He however said that even with the filing, the respondents could still file a motion for reconsideration or a petition for the review of the resolution with his office. - GMANews.TV