Filipino-Indian billionaire seeks dismissal of falsification case filed by brother

FILE PHOTO: DOJ logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines–A Filipino-Indian billionaire has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the several counts of falsification of public documents filed by his brother.

In his 25-page counter-affidavit, Rajiv Chandiramani, through his counsel, said the allegations against him are “baseless, contrived and manufactured.”

He denied falsifying documents allegedly to take control of the over P1 billion worth of properties left by their father Prem Chandiramani, following his death in 2011.

In 2021, he filed a cyberlibel case against his brother, Amith, for allegedly spreading malicious allegations against him.

But he said the complaint was already recycled as a similar case had been filed against him and his mother last year.

Since the cases were at their initial states, “in order to obviate further litigation, for peace of mind and safety, and upon the persuasion of family members, Rajiv agreed to a compromise with Amith,” his counter-affidavit stated.

Under the agreement, there will be a mutual withdrawal of complaints against each other. The agreement also bound himself to pay his brother P150 million by way of support.

Amith then executed an affidavit of resistance and agreed to waive the right to file any other action against his brother and mother.

However, he learned that his brother filed a similar complaint with the NBI this year. The complaint has been endorsed by the NBI to the Department of Justice and currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

“Amith has come before this Honorable Office with unclean hands. He is now precluded from seeking any equitable relief,” read his counter-affidavit.

“All of these taken together gives credence to Rajiv’s contention that the sale and mortgage transactions were regular, done in good faith and for valuable consideration,” he said.

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