Prosecutors file estafa case vs. ex-ABC prexy in court

CEBU, Philippines - The City Prosecutor’s Office elevated to court estafa charges against the former president of the Association of Barangay Councils of Masbate for the latter’s alleged failure to pay over P2 million worth of chemicals and equipment.

Mark Yu, the owner of the Gemmary Pawnshop chain, filed the estafa complaint against Dionnie Lopez, chairman of the Aroroy Small-scale Miners Cooperative in Aroroy, in November last year alleging that Lopez refused to pay the amount despite repeated demands.

Prosecutors elevated the complaint to court after Lopez failed to submit a counter-affidavit despite a subpoena sent to him.

Yu said his business dealings with Lopez started when he provided the latter with necessities for mining such chemicals like borax, hydrated lime, and activated carbon, among others, and equipment such as a five horse power drive compressor and MS plate.

Yu said he secured the chemicals and equipment from his friends who supply these items and a Trust Receipt Agreement dated April 20, 2005 totaling P2,794,700 would prove that Lopez had received the items.

The said agreement reportedly stipulates that the payment must be made on April 20, 2006. However, Lopez allegedly still failed to pay despite several demands.

Yu said he sent Lopez the final demand last September 19 for the April 20, 2005 Trust Receipt Agreement. This agreement is reportedly just one of the several agreements between them.

Instead of paying the obligation, Yu said Lopez even sent him a text message challenging him to bring the matter to the court. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (THE FREEMAN)