Court Orders Release of Neri Naig
NERI NAIG – The Pasay City Regional Trial Court ordered the immediate release of the actress-turned-businesswoman.
Neri Naig, wife of Parokya Ni Edgar’s frontman Chito Miranda, was arrested on November 23, 2024, facing 14 charges related to violations of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) and syndicated estafa. These charges stem from her promotion of an investment program for Dermacare, a beauty clinic, where investors were promised profits but encountered issues like bounced checks and unmet financial obligations.
Although Neri ended her ties with Dermacare in September 2023, both as a franchisee and endorser, she remains implicated in a case filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May 2024. Each SRC violation carries a ₱126,000 bail, but the non-bailable syndicated estafa charge could result in life imprisonment if convicted.
On December 4, 2024, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112 ordered Neri’s immediate release. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has received the release order after the court granted her motion to quash the syndicated estafa case filed against her. As she is currently in the hospital, her release order will be served there, and she will not be returned to the Pasay City Jail. This marks the immediate release of Neri, following the court’s decision to approve her motion.
Meanwhile, besides Neri Naig, comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto’s name was also implicated in the Dermacare scam. Her involvement was revealed when Ogie Diaz reported that both she and former senator Manny Pacquiao were served arrest warrants. Rufa Mae, who was an endorser for Dermacare, denied any involvement in fraudulent activities, claiming she was a victim. She assured the public that she would cooperate fully with the authorities and defend her reputation through legal means. Rufa Mae expressed disappointment over the false accusations but remains confident that the truth will prevail.