After news broke about the arrest of actress-entrepreneur Neri Naig regarding cases tied to Dermacare, Rufa Mae Quinto’s name was quickly drawn into the conversation. Talent manager and showbiz columnist Ogie Diaz mentioned that Quinto is allegedly connected to the same case and reportedly has a standing warrant of arrest.
This was confirmed by Quinto’s lawyer, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, during an interview on 24 Oras. According to Reyes, the case against the actress is related to Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions, the same company implicated in Naig’s legal troubles.
The Case Against Rufa Mae Quinto
Atty. Reyes stated that Quinto faces 14 counts of violating Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code. This provision prohibits the sale of securities, such as shares and investments, in the Philippines without proper registration and approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
While the charges are serious, Reyes clarified that Quinto is not accused of large-scale estafa. “She will face those charges… mag-voluntary surrender siya and magpo-post po kami ng bail for that,” Reyes explained. She added, “She’s worried kasi hindi naman totoo ‘yung allegations kasi my client po is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser.”
Reyes emphasized that Quinto has no direct involvement in Dermacare’s operations. “Ni hindi sa kanya nakapagbayad ng downpayment, tapos ‘yung mga tseke po puro tumalbog. Lahat po ‘yan hawak naman po namin ‘yung ebidensya, ipe-present naming sa court,” she said, asserting that they have sufficient evidence to defend the actress.
SEC Advisory Sparks Legal Actions
The charges against Quinto stem from a September 2023 advisory issued by the SEC. The advisory declared that Dermacare-Beyond Skin Care Solutions was not authorized to solicit investments as it was unregistered and lacked a license to sell securities.
The SEC also warned that individuals acting as salesmen, brokers, dealers, agents, promoters, influencers, and endorsers of Dermacare could face legal consequences. This includes public personalities involved in promoting the company’s offerings.
Quinto’s Response and Legal Strategy
Despite the challenges, Reyes revealed that Quinto is prepared to face the charges in court. She also mentioned that her client’s camp is considering filing a counter-case against the accusers.
“This is all part of clearing her name and proving that the allegations are baseless,” Reyes noted, adding that Quinto remains hopeful about the case’s outcome.
Impact on Quinto’s Career
The controversy poses a significant challenge to Quinto, who is well-known as a prominent figure in Philippine showbiz. However, her legal team is confident that the evidence they have will prove her innocence.
While awaiting the next steps in the case, the SEC has reiterated its warning to endorsers to ensure that the products or companies they represent are legitimate. This reminder aims to prevent similar issues and protect consumers and endorsers from legal disputes.
The situation underscores the importance of due diligence for public figures and their legal teams, particularly when lending their names and images to business ventures.