Rufa Mae: I am also a victim
MATAPOS kumpirmahin ng manager niyang si Boy Abunda na may warrant of arrest nga ang alaga niya, naglabas ng official statement si Rufa Mae Quinto kaugnay ng kinakaharap niyang isyu ng investment scam.
Anang komedyana, “I want to take this opportunity to address the recent allegations that have been circulating regarding my involvement in a scam issue.
“Let me state this unequivocally:
I HAVE NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER TO ANY FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY AND I CATEGORICALLY DENY THESE BASELESS ACCUSATIONS. IF ANYTHING, I AM ALSO A VICTIM AND I AM DETERMINED TO SEEK JUSTICE.
“Over the years, I have worked tirelessly to build my career and maintain my untarnished reputation, which is rooted in integrity and dedication. As a public figure, I have always demonstrated professionalism, transparency, and respect for the people and brands I work with. It is dejecting to see my name being dragged through the mud, but I remain steadfast and confident that the truth will soon prevail.
“I will cooperate fully with the authorities and face this issue through the proper legal forum. Rest assured, I will fight for my name and reputation.
“To those who have extended their love and support, I am grateful. Let us allow justice to take its course, and I humbly ask for your patience and understanding as the truth unfolds.”
Si Kuya Boy nga mismo ang nagbalita na inisyuhan din ng warrant of arrest ang kanyang alaga tulad ni Neri Miranda dahil sa mga kasong syndicated estafa. Sinabi ng niya na pati si Rufa Mae ay nadamay sa kasong isinampa ng mga investor ng beauty company na ine-endorse nito.
“I am alarmed as a member of this industry and as a manager. Para bagang gusto kong balikan lahat ang mga kontrata. Dahil ang endorser ba ay salesman? Kapag sinabi ko pong bumili ho kayo ng donuts na ito, ano ba ang aking responsibilidad?” pahayag ni Kuya Boy.
“Sa aking pagkakaunawa bilang manager, ang nagwa-warrant po sa publiko na ang produkto ay maganda, ay matino ang serbisyo ay ang may-ari ng kompanya. “Ang endorser ay maniniwala lamang doon sa sinasabi ng may-ari,” dagdag pa niya.
That’s why, dapat daw talagang pag-aralang mabuti ang mga pinapasok na kontrata.
“It’s a very complicated case pero palaisipan po ito. I think the industry, as a whole, we should be studying our contracts more at kaninong responsibilidad ba ito.
“Naghikayat, halimbawa, ako bumili ka ng bahay, naghikayat ako na bumili ka ng condo. Saan nag-uumpisa at nagtatapos ang responsibilidad?
“Do I own the company? Am I liable, halimbawa, eh, hindi masyadong kagandahan? But I have so many questions. I know that the case is in court,” aniya.
Kaya naman nagtataka rin si Kuya Boy kung bakit nasangkot sina Neri at Rufa Mae sa kaso.
“Isa pang point of interest kung paano kaya nakonekta itong sila Neri, itong sila Rufa Mae doon sa kaso ng piskalya.
“It’s really interesting na dapat marami tayong matutunan bilang members of the industry, lalo ang mga artist at mga manager but that’s for another episode. Ito po ‘yung aking nararamdaman kaya hindi ko po napigilan na hindi magsalita,” dagdag pa niya.
Ayon naman sa abogado ni Rufa Mae na si Atty. Mary Louise Reyes sa panayam sa “24 Oras,” nahaharap ang komedyana sa 14 counts of violations of Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code in relation to the issue of Dermacare na matatandaang isa rin sa kasong isinampa kay Neri.
But unlike Neri, walang estafa case si Rufa Mae kaya pwede siyang mag-bail.
“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,” pahayag pa ni Atty. Reyes.
“Ni hindi sa kanya nakapagbayad ng down payment, tapos ‘yung mga tseke po puro tumalbog. Lahat po ‘yan hawak naman po namin ‘yung ebidensya, ipe-present namin sa court,” dagdag niya.
