Tessa Prieto Speaks Out on Legal Battle
TESSA PRIETO – The actress has strongly denied the accusations of syndicated estafa made against her by businesswoman Salud Bautista.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph, Tessa presented her counter-affidavit at the Makati Prosecutor’s Office on January 20, 2025. Though she admitted to feeling nervous due to this being her first legal battle, her bubbly personality remained evident as she joked about being an “extra” in the case.
Tessa clarified that she is not the main subject of the complaint, but rather a secondary respondent among five others. She emphasized that she had been added to the case and needed to defend herself. While she refrained from providing specifics about her involvement in the alleged fraudulent transactions, she confirmed that her ex-girlfriend, Angel Chua, was involved. Tessa revealed that she and Angel had been separated for over a year and that she had moved on, with no desire to revisit their past relationship until she found herself caught up in the case.
Tessa Prieto expressed surprise at being accused of fraudulent activities, stating that she had never taken anyone’s money for investment purposes. She reiterated that her reputation, based on her charitable works and financial transparency, is being attacked. With full confidence in her legal team, led by Atty. Jarodelyn Mabalot from Divina Law, she pledged to clear her name. Tessa emphasized the importance of defending her family’s reputation and standing for truth and justice.
The next steps will involve additional hearings to address the filings, with Atty. Mabalot indicated that the case would proceed according to legal procedures. Meanwhile, Angel Chua’s lawyer, Atty. Alex Acain, confirmed that Chua, who was not present for the filing, had submitted her own response, although Chua was not considered the primary respondent in the estafa complaint.