NBI nabs senior citizen for allegedly posing as a lawyer

A senior citizen was arrested in Naic, Cavite for allegedly posing as a lawyer and offering notary services.

According to John Consulta’s Tuesday 24 Oras report, the 66-year-old suspect was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation-Cavite agents at his office.

While he initially tried to explain himself, he stopped when the lawyer he was impersonating arrived.

“Nakatanggap tayo ng reklamo mula sa isang abugado na nagtratrabaho sa Department of Migrant Workers. Napag-alaman kasi niya na ang kanyang pangalan at notarial commission ay ginagamit ng isang nagpapanggap na abogado,” said NBI-Cavite Chief Attorney Eric Nuqui.

(We received complaints from a lawyer who worked at the Department of Migrant Workers. The lawyer found out that someone was pretending to be him and was using his notarial commission.)

“We utilized one of our agents as a poseur customer. Sa harap niya mismo, pinirmahan nitong ating nahuli ang pangalan ng complainant ng ating abogado. Siya pa mismo ang naglagay ng dry seal,” he added.

(We utilized one of our agents as a poseur customer. Right in front of the agent, the person we arrested signed the name of the complainant. He’s even the one who placed the dry seal.)

The NBI was also able to seize dry seals and stamps with the names of three different lawyers, all of whom the suspect allegedly claimed he was affiliated with.

“Base na rin sa record check na inamin nitong nahuli natin, ito’y dati naring naentrap, nakasuhan, nakulong, nagserve ng sentence for the same offense kaya ito po ay isang repeat offender,” added Nuqui.

(Based on the record check that our suspect confessed to, he was also previously caught, charged, jailed, and served a sentence for the same offense. So he is a repeat offender)

The suspect would not comment on the matter.

The NBI warned the public to be cautious when availing legal services.

“Available na sa ating website yung law list. Maging prudent sila sa pakikipagusap lalo na kapag pagdududa. Lumapit din sila sa IBP para makatiyak na ang tumutulong ay tunay na abogado,” said NBI CALABARZON Regional Director Eric Mercado.

(The law list is now available on our website. We should be prudent in discussing, especially if we are in doubt. You should also approach the IBP to ensure that the lawyer assisting you is legitimate) — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News