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After Neri Naig arrest, Chito Miranda's uncle Kiko Pangilinan offers legal help
Former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has offered legal support to his nephew Chito Miranda and Chito's wife Neri Naig after the latter was arrested for alleged estafa and violation of the Securities Regulation Code on November 23.
Kiko and Chito's father, the late Alfonso P. Miranda, are first cousins.
On Instagram on Wednesday, Kiko said that they are ready to help the couple. He also noted that a product endorser who has no connection to a company's ownership, management, or operations should not be held accountable for its alleged illegal operations.
"Narito kami handang tumulong, Chito. Ang product endorser ay isang talent at kung walang koneksyon o kinalaman sa ownership or management at operations nung kumpanya na involved sa iligal na operations ay hindi dapat managot sa nasabing iligal na gawain," he said.
He attested to Neri's character, adding that she is a victim herself of swindlers and the owners of the company are the ones who should be held liable.
"Nabiktima din si Neri ng mga estafador at ang dapat habulin dito ay ang may ari at nagpapatakbo ng kumpanya," he said.
According to Kiko, Chito and Neri also did not receive any notice regarding the case.
"[K]westyonable ang ligalidad ng warrant of arrest na dapat kwestyunin sa Hukuman," he said.
"Nawa’y ma dismiss na ang kasong ito outright o di kaya maibalik sa piskalya for preliminary investigation at in the meantime ay maquash o ma set aside yung arrest warrant."
In the comment section, Chito expressed his gratitude to Kiko and hoped for Neri's speedy release.
"Salamat Kuya Kiko. Sana ma-release si Neri agad kasi wala naman sya notice na natanggap. Handa naman sya humarap sa court kung kelangan eh... pero paano nya idedefend sarili nya eh warrant na agad binigay sa kanya na walang bail," the Parokya ni Edgar frontman wrote.
The Southern Police District released a statement Tuesday, saying that an actress and businesswoman, "alias Neri," was served a warrant of arrest at a basement convention center inside a mall in Pasay City last Saturday. The police did not fully identify the woman in their statement.
On Wednesday, Chito broke his silence in defense of his wife, saying that she never tried to cheat or take money from anyone.
Per the OPM icon, his wife was only an endorser and her face was used to get investors.
"Bigla na lang siyang inaresto for the same case kahit hindi pa siya binigyan ng notice na may bagong criminal complaint pala laban sa kanya, and 'di niya na-defend 'yung sarili niya," he said.
Chito added that Neri faced similar cases in the past, which were dismissed.
Neri is facing an estafa case in relation to Presidential Decree 1689, as well as 14 counts of violation of Section 28 of the Republic Act 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code.
— CDC/MGP/GMA Integrated News
