The Office of the City Prosecutor of Mandaluyong has dismissed the extortion complaint filed by businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and former employee Alan Bantiles, citing lack of factual details and insufficient proof to warrant prosecution.
In a 19-page resolution dated September 30, the city prosecutor junked Ang’s complaints for robbery with violence or intimidation, grave threats, grave coercion, slander, and incriminating an innocent person.
“This Office finds no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict respondents for attempted robbery with intimidation of person, grave coercion, and grave threats,” the resolution stated. It also ruled that there was no sufficient basis to pursue slander charges.
The case stemmed from Ang’s allegation that Patidongan and Bantiles threatened to link him to the disappearance of missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) unless he paid P300 million.
However, prosecutors found inconsistencies and lack of substantiating evidence in Ang’s claims. They noted that Ang failed to cite the specific defamatory statements allegedly made by Patidongan during a televised interview, despite including the video in his complaint.
The resolution further stated that Ang’s claim that the term “mastermind” referred to him was based solely on a TikTok post connecting him to the interview—an unverified post that lacked proof of authorship, authenticity, or relevance.
“In this case, no independent evidence has been provided to demonstrate that viewers of the televised segment, aside from the unverified TikTok post, would reasonably conclude that the ‘mastermind’ being referenced was the complainant,” the prosecutor said.
The office also pointed out that the call logs submitted by Ang showed he was the one initiating contact with Bantiles, contradicting his claim that he was being harassed or threatened.
“Instead, the documented pattern shows the complainant initiating contact with his supposed extortionists, suggesting willingness or initiative inconsistent with a victim’s reaction to coercion,” the resolution read.
Prosecutors also questioned the credibility and timing of witness statements submitted by Ang, suggesting that these may have been fabricated to counter Patidongan’s accusations.
Patidongan’s lawyer, Atty. Manuel Ventura, welcomed the dismissal, saying it affirms his client’s credibility.
“It’s clear from the start that the prosecutor saw through the attempt to discredit my client,” Ventura said, adding that they plan to file counter-charges soon.
Ang, meanwhile, said through his lawyer that they intend to appeal the dismissal before the Department of Justice.