NBI files raps vs top execs of 2 tech firms

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has filed charges against top executives of two technology companies for allegedly unlawfully copying the automated payment machines of the licensed operator of “TouchPay” electronic collection system.

Charged before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office were Perseverando Hernandez, Marlon Portugal, Antonio Lasala, Reynaldo Isidro and Rachel Mercado of Electronic Transfer and Advance Processing Inc. (e-TAP), the operator of Pay&Go automated payment machines.

Also named respondents were David Scott Glen, Peter Alexander Blacket, Danilo Ibarra and Alina Sison, officers of BTI Payments Philippines Inc.

Head agent Glenn Ricarte of the NBI-Intellectual Property Rights Division said they were also preparing a similar complaint against officials of Xytrix Systems Corp.

Ricarte said representatives of Manila Express Payment System, the licensed owner of TouchPay machines, had sought their assistance after receiving information that e-TAP, BTI and Xytrix were operating electronic machines similar to their units.

TouchPay is a digital platform for paying utility bills, fare cards, prepaid loads for mobile phones and other electronic transactions. —Marlon Ramos