Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto voluntarily surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) early Wednesday following the issuance of an arrest warrant by a Pasay court in connection with securities-related charges.
Quinto arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from San Francisco, California, at around 5 a.m., accompanied by her family. The surrender was coordinated in advance by her legal counsel, according to NAIA-NBI Chief Jimmy De Leon.
Upon her arrival, Quinto underwent a medico-legal examination before being escorted to the Pasay court handling her case. Quinto faces 14 counts of alleged violations of Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code, which prohibits the sale of securities, such as shares and investments, without a registration statement approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The charges stem from her endorsement of Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, a company flagged by the SEC for unauthorized investment solicitation.
Quinto’s legal representative, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, clarified that her client’s involvement with Dermacare was limited to being a brand ambassador.
“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 po is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser,” Reyes said.
Reyes added that Quinto did not receive any payments from clients and had no role in financial transactions. “Ni hindi sa kanya nakapagbayad ng downpayment, tapos ‘yung mga tseke po puro tumalbog. Lahat po ‘yan hawak naman po namin ‘yung ebidensya, ipe-present naming sa court,” she noted.
In September 2023, the SEC released an advisory warning the public against Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, stating that the company was not registered to sell securities or solicit investments. The advisory also indicated that promoters, endorsers, and sales agents involved with the company could face legal action.
The comedienne is expected to post bail as her legal team prepares for upcoming court proceedings.
Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto voluntarily surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) early Wednesday morning, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by a Pasay court. The warrant is connected to securities-related charges, specifically 14 counts of alleged violations of Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code. This code prohibits the sale of securities, such as shares and investments, without a registration statement approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Quinto arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from San Francisco, California, accompanied by her family. Her surrender was coordinated in advance by her legal counsel, according to NAIA-NBI Chief Jimmy De Leon. Upon her arrival, Quinto underwent a medico-legal examination before being escorted to the Pasay court handling her case. The charges against her stem from her endorsement of Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, a company flagged by the SEC for unauthorized investment solicitation.
Quinto’s legal representative, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, clarified that her client’s involvement with Dermacare was limited to being a brand ambassador. Reyes stated that Quinto will face the charges and post bail, emphasizing that the allegations are untrue. According to Reyes, Quinto did not receive any payments from clients and had no role in financial transactions. The lawyer added that they have evidence to support Quinto’s claim, which will be presented in court.
The SEC released an advisory in September 2023, warning the public against Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions. The advisory stated that the company was not registered to sell securities or solicit investments. It also indicated that promoters, endorsers, and sales agents involved with the company could face legal action. As a result, Quinto’s endorsement of the company has landed her in hot water, with the Pasay court issuing an arrest warrant.
Quinto’s surrender to the NBI marks a significant development in the case. Her legal team is preparing for upcoming court proceedings, and she is expected to post bail. The actress-comedienne’s fans are likely to be watching the situation closely, hoping for a positive outcome. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the companies and products one endorses.
The consequences of endorsing a company without proper registration and authorization can be severe. In this case, Quinto faces 14 counts of alleged violations of the Securities Regulation Code. If found guilty, she could face significant fines and even imprisonment. The case highlights the need for celebrities and influencers to be cautious and responsible when endorsing products or services.
As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Quinto’s legal team defends her against the charges. Atty. Reyes has already stated that Quinto’s involvement with Dermacare was limited to being a brand ambassador, and that she did not receive any payments from clients. The presentation of evidence in court will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case.
The public’s reaction to the case has been mixed. Some have expressed support for Quinto, believing that she was unaware of the company’s unauthorized activities. Others have criticized her for endorsing a company without proper registration and authorization. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility, especially for public figures.
In the world of show business, endorsements can be a lucrative source of income for celebrities. However, they also come with significant risks. The case of Rufa Mae Quinto serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the companies and products one endorses. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Quinto’s career is affected and how she navigates the challenges ahead.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been instrumental in handling the case, coordinating Quinto’s surrender and ensuring that she is held accountable for her actions. The agency’s role in investigating and prosecuting cases of securities fraud is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the financial system.
As the case of Rufa Mae Quinto continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the court proceedings play out. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Quinto’s career and personal life. One thing is certain, however – the case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility, especially for public figures.
