DOJ gives Kapa founder more time to answer NBI complaint

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has given Kapa-Community Ministry founder and president Joel Apolinario and his co-respondents more time to respond to the complaint of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) accusing them of involvement in an investment scam.

During Wednesday’s preliminary investigation, the DOJ panel of prosecutors gave Apolinario and his co-respondents up to Oct. 7 to file their counter-affidavits.

Assistant State Prosecutor Maria Lourdes Uy said the respondents would subscribe to the authenticity of their counter-affidavits before prosecutors in their respective provinces in Mindanao and have the documents submitted to the DOJ through their lawyers.

After submitting the counter-affidavits, Uy said the case could be submitted for resolution on Oct. 7.

The respondents were supposed to file their counter-affidavits on Wednesday, but their lawyers explained that this was hampered due to threats against them.

On the other hand, three private individuals withdrew their complaints after having filed separate affidavits of desistance. They are Judith Lechido, Kim Ampo, and Ampo’s mother Virginia.

Based on the complaint filed by the NBI, Kapa allegedly committed five counts of violations of Sections 8 and 26 in relation to 73 of the Securities and Regulations Code (SRC) and eight counts of syndicated estafa as defined and penalized in Presidential Decree 1689.

Aside from Apolinario, named respondents are his wife and Kapa corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario; treasurer Modie Dagala; directors Benigno Tipan Jr., Marnilyn Maturan, Ricky Taer, and Margie Danao; and incorporators Nonita Urbano, Junnie Apolinario, Nelio Nino, Maria Pella Sevilla, Jouelyn Del Castillo, Cristobal Barabad, and Joji Jusay.

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