NBI nabs alleged fake lawyer, cohort for issuing bogus court rulings

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested an alleged fake lawyer and his accomplice for issuing bogus court decisions.

Arrested in an entrapment operation Thursday at the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Malibay, Pasay were Victoria Delos Reyes and Glessy Cinco.

The NBI made the arrest following a request from Judge Mia Joy Cawit of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 4 who received a complaint from a victim duped by the duo.

The complainant said she met Cinco last February 2011 through a friend when she was looking for someone to help in her annulment case. Cinco said the process would take about 3 to 4 months and she needs to spend P170,000. The suspect, however, asked for another P50,000.

When she got hold of the court’s decision through Judge Cawit, the complainant said it was only a photocopy and when she verified with the local civil registry in Baguio City, she discovered that the case number on her annulment case was assigned to an adoption case under Judge Cawit.

The complainant immediately coordinated with Judge Cawit who sought the NBI’s help.

The two will undergo inquest proceedings for usurpation of authority, illegal use of alias and estafa through falsification of public documents.