Chito Miranda, frontman of the iconic band Parokya ni Edgar, has issued a heartfelt statement following the arrest of his wife, actress and entrepreneur Neri Naig. Naig was detained without bail on November 23 at a convention center in Pasay City for alleged estafa and violations of the Securities Regulation Code.
In a statement released via social media, Miranda expressed disbelief and concern over his wife’s legal predicament. He defended Naig’s integrity, insisting that she is innocent of the charges against her.
“Praying na ma-sort out na ang lahat ng ito…kawawa naman yung asawa ko 🙏🏼❤️,” Miranda began, emphasizing that his wife has always acted in good faith. “Never nanloko si Neri, at never sya nanlamang sa kapwa… Tulong lang sya ng tulong hangga’t kaya nya.”
According to the Southern Police District, a warrant was served against the 41-year-old actress and businesswoman for estafa under Presidential Decree 1689, which imposes harsher penalties on syndicated estafa cases. Naig is also facing 14 counts of violations under Section 28 of Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, which governs the registration of brokers and investment schemes.
Authorities stated that the case stems from allegations that Naig’s image and endorsement were used to lure investors into a scheme, leading to financial losses for several individuals. Despite being an endorser rather than the scheme’s operator, she is now entangled in legal proceedings.
Miranda, however, argued that his wife was unaware of any criminal complaints and had not been given the opportunity to defend herself.
“Last week, bigla na lang syang inaresto for the same case kahit hindi pa sya binigyan ng notice na may bagong criminal complaint pala laban sa kanya, and di nya na-defend yung sarili nya,” he wrote. “Wala syang nareceive na letter from the prosecutor, walang subpoena, walang kahit anong notice.”
“Syndicated estafa” allegations
Under PD 1689, syndicated estafa involves schemes perpetrated by at least five individuals and results in the misappropriation of funds solicited from the public. The Securities Regulation Code violations, meanwhile, are related to the registration and oversight of investment offerings, which have stringent compliance requirements.
Miranda maintained that Naig had no access to or involvement in handling investors’ money. “Wala siyang kinuhang pera sa ibang tao, lahat ng pera nila na kay Chanda, ang may-ari ng Dermacare,” he clarified, referring to a business partner allegedly at the center of the controversy.
Miranda concluded his statement by highlighting Naig’s generosity and good character. “Sobrang bait po ni Neri…as in sooobra. Eto yung babaeng kinulong ninyo without bail, habang nakalaya pa yung mga tunay na may kasalanan.”
