Kris Aquino files qualified theft raps vs. ex-business partner

Celebrity and entrepreneur Kris Aquino has filed complaints for qualified theft against an individual her camp identified as a former business partner who allegedly used her funds for his personal use.

The media personality's camp said Wednesday that she has lodged separate complaints against one Nicardo Falcis II, her supposed projects manager since 2016, before city prosecutors in Mandaluyong, San Juan, Taguig, Pasig, Makati, Manila and Quezon City.

Falcis faces charges for 44 counts of qualified theft under Article 310 in relation to Articles 308 and 309 of the Revised Penal Code and for violation of the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998.

Portions of the complaints by the former president's sister show they were filed last October 12.

In a statement, Aquino's camp said she accuses Falcis of "exploiting his position of trust and confidence" when he allegedly used for his personal expenses a credit card she issued for obligations for the operations of the production outfit Kristina C. Aquino Productions (KCAP).

"In all, respondent had charged P1,270,980.31 to the KCAP Card for personal expenses without my consent. Prior to my discovery of these expenses and demand for their payment, respondent neither informed me about them nor undertook or made arrangements to settle them," Aquino was quoted to have said in the complaints.

While Falcis allegedly tried to return the money he "misappropriated" by delivering to Aquino's house a check worth more than P437,000, the act "would not belie the fact that there was a crime committed through serious breach of her trust."

GMA News Online has already tried reaching Falcis for comment but he has yet to respond.

The statement claims Aquino discovered that Falcis misappropriated KCAP funds in July 2018.

It also alleged that Sigfrid Fortun, Aquino's lawyer, had found out that Falcis' camp is seeking the recusal of the "entire San Juan Prosecutors Office from hearing and resolving her complaint."

Falcis allegedly claimed "she is charming her way to get the prosecutors to rule in her favor and secure in indictment," the statement said. — BM/MDM, GMA News