After being detained on Saturday in Caloocan City in relation to a syndicated estafa case, Ricardo Cepeda has spoken out.
As stated in Marisol Abdurahman’s exclusive story on “24 Oras,” on Tuesday, the actor, who is presently dealing with a number of legal issues, claimed he is merely endorsing the business that is the subject of the complaint.
“I was taken aback since I didn’t know that I should have submitted so many warrants. I knew that there were scammers out there, but I didn’t know that I was one of them,” the 58-year-old actor remarked.
After a brief argument with the police, he eventually accompanied them quietly at the time of the arrest.
“They also fell asleep as we signed the arrest warrant for them. They will be conducting the ribbon-cutting in the area. “We are excited about the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony,” stated PMAJ. Dondon Llapitan, Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
CIDU-QCPD is unable to determine the extent of the estafa, despite receiving more than 40 complaints.
“This is a new development in the Cagayan area near Sanchez Mira,” Llapitan stated.
Cepeda claimed he has no affiliation with the business because he merely serves as a model for its energy-saving devices.
“I have no connection to this company at all. My name isn’t even on the business registration,” he stated.
“I’m not good at operating the business or anything related to it. “Ano, I just modelled the products,” he continued.
Cepeda is wanted on three more counts of violating the Securities Regulation Code (RA No. 8799) and another warrant for his arrest owing to a bounced check, in addition to the 23 counts of syndicated estafa.
“Vinerify po natin ‘yung e-warrant po natin at nalaman po natin na marami pa siyang warrant na pending,” Llapitan stated.
Cepeda had previously been provided with the other arrest warrants.
Cepeda thinks the cases brought against him will end in his acquittal.
“The moment is yung ano ko lang. The time lost, during which I am powerless. I’m here to attempt to prove my innocence, so I can’t work,” he stated.
Marina Benipayo, Cepeda’s partner, stated in a TikTok video that her spouse has never participated in any investments and urged viewers to exercise caution when posting.
“Hindi yata tama ‘yun eh, magpo-post kayo tapos hayaan n’yo lang pagpiyestahan ng mga tao. Even if it were impossible for me to do so, I would never, ever hope that something similar would occur in my life,” she uttered.
“All we need really now are prayers.”
