Manzano sends lawyer to NBI probe

MANILA, Philippines — Actor Luis Manzano was a no-show for the second time in a subpoena hearing yesterday at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over the Flex Fuel investment mess.

Manzano instead sent his lawyer and requested for copies of the case document, but the bureau is not authorized to release it, NBI agent on case Roland Fernandez said.

Lawyers for Manzano’s co-respondents appeared at the NBI and denied the allegations.

Among the Flex Fuel board of directors who attended the hearing were Flex Fuel president Bong Medel Jr., director Kristina Sales-Medel, corporate treasurer Anthony Bernard Sales and corporate secretary Arthur Alicer.

Manzano’s mother, former Batangas governor and actress Vilma Santos, has defended her son, saying “he is not a scammer.”

Manzano is facing an NBI probe after several investors accused him of estafa over a failed co-ownership scheme offered by Flex Fuel Petroleum Corp. where the actor sat as board chairman.