DISCAYA couple Pacifico and Cezarah Rowena, known as alleged masterminds behind ghost and substandard flood control projects, have implicated Bulacan Sixth District representative Salvador A. Pleyto in supposed irregularities involving “remittances” dating back to 2019, the year the lawmaker was first elected.
Rep. Pleyto has vehemently denied the accusation, asserting that he has never been involved in any illegal or unethical transactions. He expressed full cooperation with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which has resported the matter to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
The congressman has also requested that the AMLC provide him with copies of the alleged bank transfers linking him to the Discayas’ questionable dealings. He likewise urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could unfairly damage his reputation.
His response underscores the importance of due process in the face of unproven allegations and the need for transparency in the handling of corruption-related probes.
Architect scammer face imprisonment
Meanwhile, a Filipino businessman sought my assistance in recovering his money from an architect who had been avoiding him since late 2023.
The businessman, who resides in the United States with his family, said he was deceived by the architect into investing in what was alleged a development project in Nuvali, an eco-community of the Ayala Group of Companies. The architect works as a designer for the conglomerate’s real estate arm Ayala Land Incorporated.
According to the businessman, his wife and the architect’s wife were former high school classmates, which made him easily trust the architect. In April 2022, he invested US$82,000.00 (about ₱4,323,860.00), with the assurance of earning 1 percent monthly interest.
However, when the businessman tried to retrieve his investment in early 2023 in order to settle financial obligations in the Philippines and restart his trucking business in the US, the architect allegedly informed him that his money had been used for the purchase of vehicles by Ayala Land for the Nuvali project.
Although the businessman hoped to earn more that the promised returns, he realized he had no control over the situation since he had entrusted all his savings to the architect, who claimed it was an official investment with the Ayala Group.
Now, the businessman and his wife intend to file both criminal and civil cases against the architect, his wife and other possible conspirators so he could recover his invested capital and the agreed interest totaling almost ₱7 million and additional damages (moral, exemplary and actual) amounting to ₱15 million each, or an aggregate total of ₱37 million, excluding attorney’s fees.
The scam victim also plans to file a formal complaint with the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) for the revocation of the architect’s professional license.
Upon verification, I was able to confirm that the architect is indeed connected with the Ayala Group of Companies, This fact makes it imperative for the company to launch an internal probe to determine whether any of its personal used its name or projects to lure investors into fraudulent schemes. If the company is not involved, it must make this clear and cooperate fully with authorities to protect its corporate reputation and the integrity of its brand.
The architect and his wife are advised to consult legal counsel as the violation of Article 315 (Syndicated Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, constitutes a serious and non-bailable offense.
If found guilty, the architect, his wife and their cohorts could face up to 20-years of imprisonment for cyber estafa. Moreover, the architect could be dismissed from employment and stripped of his PRC license.
Professionals licensed by the state are held to the highest standards of integrity. Any misuse of professional standing or corporate affiliaction to deceive others constitutes not only a crime but a grave betrayal of public trust. The PRC, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Justice must ensure that this case is investigated thoroughly and prosecuted without delay.
Congrats to the Knights of Columbus
Also, I wish to congratulate the Knights of Columbus Council No. 9926, Sto. Niño de Molino Parish, Bahayang Pag-asa, Molino V, Bacoor City, Cavite, for its 37th Foundation Day.
The celebration was led by Grand Knight Wilfredo Garcia and Deputy Grand Knight Gil Macaranas—a testament of the endureing mission of the K of C in promoting faith, charity and community service.
More power and Vivat Jesus!
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