What we know so far

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Neri Miranda has allegedly been arrested for estafa and 14 counts of violation of the Securities Regulation Code, otherwise known as Section 28 of Republic Act No. 8799.

This particular section states that an individual cannot buy, sell, or make transactions as a salesman, dealer, broker, or anyone associated with these positions unless they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Southern Police District announced on its Facebook page on the evening of Tuesday, November 26, that a 41-year-old actress and businesswoman — who goes by the alias “Erin” — was arrested on November 23 at the basement of a Pasay City mall.

According to the Southern Police District, Branch 111 of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court set bail at P126,000 for the 14 counts. However, no bail has been specified yet for the alleged commission of estafa. Estafa, under Article 315, paragraph 2(a), of the Revised Penal Code, states that an act is considered estafa if it falls under the following conditions:

• That there is a false pretense or fraudulent representation of an individual’s qualifications, property, credit, agency, and business or imaginary transactions
• That the false pretense or fraudulent representation was committed before or during the fraudulent act
• That the money or property of the offended party was compromised because they depended on the false pretense or fraudulent act
• That the offended party suffered damages in the end

The police district added that the actress is the seventh most wanted individual at the station level given her violations. The Pasay Regional Trial Court has already issued a commitment order.

Meanwhile, a jail officer confirmed to ABS-CBN News that a woman named “Nerizza Miranda” was transferred to the Pasay City Jail Female Dormitory on Wednesday, November 27.

The actress, and her husband Chito of the band Parokya ni Edgar, have yet to address the issue.

She owns several businesses, such as Neri’s Gourmet Tuyo, some branches of the Italian restaurant Amare La Cucina, and a few rest houses for rent outside Metro Manila.

Miranda earlier drew flak in September 2023 for her P1,000 weekly meal plan, which Filipino netizens referred to as “unrealistic.” – Rappler.com