‘ESTAFA CONSPIRATORS’

3 Ilongga hospital execs indicted over P9.5M equipment buy PAVIA, ILOILO - Three executives of a local hospital here have been indicted on two counts of Estafa following a Resolution that dubbed the trio as “conspirators.” A multi-million procurement gone wrong and unpaid, named accountable by a Mandaluyong Office of the City Ptosecutor are Ma. Vejaya Garillos, Maria Rosario Lopez and Fritzie Edna Garrido. Docketed as NPS No. XV-06-INV-207-03148 for Estafa and/or Other Deceit under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the indictment came at theq heels of the complaint filed by Medilines Distributors. Inc. The complaint stemmed from the 2017 procurements of Holy Mary Women and Children’s Hospital. The transactions were for various hospital equipment, first of which totaled P8.7 Million and the second delivery for P5 million worth. The deal entered into by both parties laid down a 30% downpayment scheme and 70% monthly payment for a full year supposedly covered by Post-Dated Checks (PDC). In a 4-paged Resolution, the Mandaluyong Court took note of the failed obligations amidst the claim of innocence of 2 of the 3 respondents. “Upon evaluation and assiduous consideration of the parties’ respective positions, we rule for the complaint,” the Resolution went. “We share the view that false pretense and deceit were employed by Respondents prior to or simultaneous with the actual defraudation of Medilines. The latter would not have acceded to the transaction and delivered valuable medical equipment had it not been for respondents’ promises and representations. As borne by the records, the respondents initiated said transactions. They were the ones who proposed the mode and manner of payments. In their offer to buy, it was them who lured complainant into agreeing on a 30% downpayment and 12 equal monthly installments for the remaining 70% with supporting checks. There is no gainsaying that respondents represented Holy Mary Hospital to be financially able and capable of entering into above-board transactions. Yet to the detriment of the complainant, the respondents could not do the simpliest and mundane act of issuing the checks after receipt of the medical equipment. Undoubtedly, Medilines was swayed and took as Gospel truth respondents’ persuasions.” With elements of fraud established, the Resolution further stated that it is “suitably justified to conclude that respondents had no intention to honor and keep their obligation right from the onset.” “It bears emphasis that while respondents handed over 30% downpayment based on their proposed schedule, said payment and undertaking to pay equal installments supported by checks are but part of grand scheme or ploy to beguile Medilines into delivering the equipments. As established, respondents did not issue checks, let alone pay for bigger part of the medical equipments. It strongly appears that respondents have pulled a fast one against Medilines. Criminal malevolence speaks loudly against respondents for their apparent one of intent to be bound at all,” the strong words of the Resolution further went. Complainant Medilines is represented by Atty. Emmanuel Brotarlo. The indictment dated June 22, 2021 obtained of late was signed by Senior Assistant Mandaluyong City Prosecutor Christopher Nomatus Ortiz. Approval was made by City Prosecutor Bernabe Augustus Solis.

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