Phill News Entertainment – Phill News
MANILA, Philippines — Former actress Neri Naig-Miranda may spend Christmas in detention after her arraignment for alleged violations of the Securities Regulation Code was rescheduled to January 9.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Southern Police District confirmed that the wife of Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda remains detained at the Pasay City Jail female dormitory.
According to a Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 111 staff member interviewed on GMA’s “24 Oras, ” a motion to quash or dismiss the complaints caused the delay. The court has sought input from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the prosecution regarding the motion.
SEC Director Filbert Catalino Flores III explained on TeleRadyo Serbisyo that Neri’s detention stemmed from allegations of soliciting investments for Beyond Skin Care, a company under investigation. According to an SEC advisory issued in September, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Chanda Atienza, offered investment agreements promising high returns, despite the business lacking SEC registration and proper licensing.
In her defense, Neri announced on Facebook in September that she was no longer affiliated with Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions and disapproved of using her name in the company’s dealings.
Neri is facing 14 counts of violating the Securities Regulation Code and estafa charges for allegedly endorsing the company’s unregistered investment schemes. She is also charged with syndicated estafa, a graver offense under Presidential Decree 1689.
Chito Miranda has stood by his wife, claiming she is innocent and a victim of deceit by Dermacare’s management. He named “Chanda” as the individual responsible for the irregularities, clarifying that Neri did not handle any funds from investors.
In a Facebook post, Chito revealed that former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, his uncle, has stepped in to assist with Neri’s legal battle. Pangilinan argued that as an endorser, Neri should not be held accountable for the company’s illegal activities unless involved in its management or operations.
Neri’s bail for the securities violations is set at over ₱1.7 million, with no bail offered for the estafa charges. She was arrested on November 23 at a mall convention center in Pasay City, just days after participating in a business expo.
The case continues to unfold as the RTC reviews the motion to dismiss and seeks clarity on the allegations.
