Actress Rufa Mae Quinto is now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following her voluntary surrender upon arrival in the Philippines. The Rufa Mae Quinto scam case has drawn widespread public interest after authorities issued an arrest warrant linking her to an alleged investment fraud involving the skincare company Dermacare. Quinto arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport with her family, where immigration authorities flagged her under an Alert List Order before transferring her to the NBI.
Quinto is facing 14 charges for violating Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code, with each count requiring a bail of ₱126,000, totaling ₱1.7 million. Her legal team is actively working on processing the necessary paperwork to secure her temporary release.
Legal Context and Allegations
The Securities Regulation Code of the Philippines requires individuals and companies offering investment opportunities to secure proper licensing from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Failure to comply can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The accusations against Quinto revolve around her alleged involvement with Dermacare, which is said to have solicited investments without the required SEC authorization.
Quinto maintains her innocence, categorically denying any participation in fraudulent activities. She claims to be a victim herself and has vowed full cooperation with legal authorities to clear her name. Her legal counsel asserts that Quinto was not directly involved in soliciting or managing funds for Dermacare, portraying her as an unintentional participant in the controversy.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The Rufa Mae Quinto scam case is part of a larger scandal involving complaints from multiple investors who claim significant financial losses due to Dermacare’s operations. The company allegedly lured clients with promises of high returns, leading to widespread financial damage when the scheme unraveled. Unlike actress-entrepreneur Neri Naig, who also faces related charges of syndicated estafa, Quinto’s charges are limited to securities violations.
In a public statement, Quinto expressed gratitude to her supporters and reiterated her intention to seek justice. She urged the public to remain patient as the legal process unfolds and emphasized her commitment to clearing her reputation.
As the investigation continues, Quinto remains in NBI custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. The outcome of this case is expected to set a precedent for how celebrity endorsements are scrutinized in investment-related controversies.
