Court orders arrest of mayoral bet

A BATANGAS regional trial court has issued an arrest warrant against one of the owners of a domestic shipping company who is currently running for mayor in Quezon province along with four other individuals over an alleged P33-million syndicated estafa.

BOODLE LUNCH Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando (right), Vice Gov. Alex Castro (2nd from right), Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque (left) and 5th District Board Member Ricky Roque join other members and supporters of Team Puso at Talino in a boodle fight feast before embarking on a motorcade in Pandi, Bulacan, on April 30, 2025. Fernando, Castro and the Roques are campaigning for reelection in the May 12, 2025 elections. PHOTO BY FREDERICK SILVERIO

In an order dated April 28, 2025, Judge Pamela Chavez-Izon of Regional Trial Court's Branch 13 directed all concerned law enforcement agencies nationwide, particularly the Philippine National Police, to go after Vincent Victor Reyes, chairman of Barangay Pagkakaisa and mayoral candidate in San Narciso town.

His mother, Merian, and siblings Vincent Dominic and Ma. Kristina Victoria, and one Ramon Villapando were also named in the same warrant of arrest.

The Reyeses, owners of the Star Horse Shipping Lines, a company established in 2008 that specializes in passenger and cargo transportation particularly to Marinduque and Romblon, were facing syndicated estafa charges under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.

Reports showed that the Reyeses were able to return the amount of P7 million of a loan following the collapse of a rice deal, but they allegedly refused to settle the remaining amount of P33 million, hence, the filing of the criminal case against them.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued an April 30 order alerting its concerned personnel for the possible attempt of the accused to exit the country in a bid to evade arrest and prosecution.

BI Deputy Commissioner Aldwin Alegre signed the order which was recommended by Arvin Cesar Santos, BI's legal division chief.

Just recently, Star Horse was reported to be interested in acquiring the Philippine Basketball Association franchise of Terrafirma Dyip but the negotiations bogged down.

The Manila Times tried to reach the Reyes camp to get its side but they were unavailable.

However, a source close to the accused said it was merely part of politicking in the province while the "minor case" was exaggerated by the family's political rivals.