Guimaras gubernatorial bet Maggie Cacho nabbed for swindling
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrest Maggie Cacho, a candidate for Guimaras governor, in an operation on Feb. 11, 2025. He allegedly swindled a complainant to supposedly expedite an emission testing project. (Photo from the CIDG)
MANILA, Philippines — A gubernatorial candidate in Guimaras, who allegedly claims to be a cousin of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for swindling or estafa.
According to a report from the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) on Wednesday, authorities entrapped the female suspect identified as Maggie Cacho.
She was allegedly charging P800,000 to P1 million from her victim in exchange for fast-tracking some emission testing application projects.
She also reportedly claimed to have influence at the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“The suspect also allegedly claimed to be a cousin of the First Lady,” the CIDG said in its report.
“Nakarating ito sa kaalaman ng Malacañang at inutusan ang Office of the Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes (OSETC) para tingnan ito,” CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said in an interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Thursday.
Article continues after this advertisement“Consequently, OSETC coordinated with us and we built the case until magawa natin itong entrapment operations,” Torre said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe operation stemmed from a report where a complainant had reportedly paid Cacho P400,000 in advance last September.
The fund was meant for Cacho to secure the emission testing project but the latter did not fulfill her end of the transaction and she refused to return the money.
Cacho allegedly contacted the complainant again and asked the victim to pay an additional P400,000 to expedite the project.
This incident took place at the former’s residence in Guimaras Island on Feb. 11.
The suspect and another individual identified by the CIDG AOCU as Cayetano Leal were caught receiving the P400,000 boodle money.
“The complainant verified with the Department of Transportation and confirmed that Maggie has no connection with the agency,” the CIDG said.
黑料社 requested a comment from Malacañang about Cacho’s claim of being the first lady’s cousin but the news website has yet to receive a response.
READ: CIDG nabs woman for alleged estafa in Pasig City
During the operation, authorities also arrested Marwin Parpan and Rico Maylan, two members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who were allegedly acting as Cacho’s security personnel.
The two PCG members were also found in possession of caliber .45 pistols.
However, according to Torre, “Ang sabi naman ng dalawa, nandoon lang sila. Nagkataon na na-timing-an lang sila doon sa time ng entrapment operation. [They claimed] they [were on] a private visit. Ang presence nila ay walang pakialam doon.”
(The two said they were just there by chance, that it just so happened that their timing was the same time as the entrapment operation. [They claimed] they were on a private visit, that their presence had nothing to do with the case.)
READ:
Criminal complaints for estafa/swindling were filed against Cacho and Leal before the Guimaras Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Cacho already posted a P24,000 bail on Wednesday, Torre said, without mentioning Leal.
Cacho is running independently for the Guimaras governorship against National Unity Party bet Lucille Nava.
— With contribution from Inquirer Volunteer Jhon Oliver Nery
