Actress Rufa Mae Quinto’s legal counsel has confirmed that she is facing a standing warrant of arrest due to involvement in a case related to Dermacare, the same company linked to the arrest of actress-entrepreneur Neri Naig, wife of Chito Miranda.
According to Quinto’s lawyer, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, the 46-year-old comedian is facing 14 counts of violating Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code, which prohibits the sale of securities like shares and investments in the Philippines without proper registration and approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Despite the charges, Quinto’s legal counsel clarified that there are no allegations of large-scale estafa (fraud) against her.
The actress, who previously worked as a brand ambassador for Dermacare, is currently in the United States but plans to voluntarily surrender to authorities and post bail.
“She will face those charges… She will voluntarily surrender and we will post bail for that. She’s worried because the allegations are not true; my client is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser,” said Atty. Reyes.
Reyes added that Quinto was not involved in any down payments nor in the bouncing checks associated with the case, and they have evidence to present in court.
It remains unclear whether Quinto will file any countercharges in the future.
In September 2023, the SEC issued an advisory about Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, stating that the company was unauthorized to solicit investments as it was not registered to sell securities.
The SEC advisory warned that individuals such as salesmen, brokers, agents, promoters, influencers, and endorsers of Dermacare could face legal action.
Last week, Neri Naig was also arrested for violating the Securities Regulation Code, although she remains in custody due to a syndicated estafa case with no bail.