PROMINENT Ilonggo businessman Bernie G. Miaque has been acquitted from the estafa charge filed by Angel “Nonoy” De Leon Jr., president of micro-finance organization Taytay sa Kauswagan Inc. (TSKI) in 2004.
Judge Mauricio Gomez of the Iloilo Regional Trial Court Branch 28 penned the decision on February 9, 2021 following a motion for reconsideration filed by Miaque’s counsels.
“Wherefore, in the light of the foregoing disquisitions, the motion for reconsideration is granted. The order of arrest dated 15 September 2020 is hereby reconsidered and set aside. The warrant of arrest issued is hereby lifted and recalled,” the decision read.
In a statement, Miaque thanked businessman Stevie Tajanglangit III, an incumbent trustee of TSKI, for his “all-out support” on his case.
Tajanglangit, who is the chairman and CEO of 7107 Islands Management Inc., helped convince the TSKI board of trustees to withdraw the case against Miaque.
“I sincerely thank Stevie Tajanglangit III for his all out support on this case. He is the son of my good friend the late Steve Tajanlangit Jr. the original pillar of TSKI,” the businessman said.
Miaque was earlier convicted for the crime of estafa stemming from a sale transaction he made with De Leon in September 2004.
“...there is no showing on the part of Mr. Miaque that he tried to persuade Mr. De Leon to believe that the vehicle was free from any liens and encumbrances, by means of any words, acts or deeds or other positive assertions. In fact, it was only the complainant who believed that the certificate of registration presented to him was free from liens and encumbrances,” the decision read.
The court said De Leon based his belief on the face of the document itself without Miaque assuring him of the same.
“This is further bolstered by his affidavit of desistance claiming that the liability of the accused is only civil in nature,” it added.
The affidavit of desistance executed by De Leon was signed by lawyer Pablo “Bebot” Nava, TSKI corporate secretary, who is also private prosecutor in the case. (PR)