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TV Personality Sues Over Unpaid Tuna Debtsff

16 October 2003 The Philippines

The City Prosecution Office of General Santos City in the Philippines has indicted a Japanese national based in the city, for failing to pay a television personality of his $2,200 debt despite written and oral demands.

Chief City Prosecutor Raul Bendigo charged Toshiaki M., consultant of an international Marine company in General Santos City, for refusing to pay the debt he incurred from television host Jeanette Lomanta. Bendigo forwarded a case of fraud against Masumoto before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) based on the recommendation of Prosecutor Victor Sepulveda.

Sepulveda resolved the case on the complaint filed by Lumanta who was aided by lawyer Jesus Zozobrado Jr. He recommended a bond of P34,000 for the temporary liberty of Masumoto if he decides to face the case in court.

In her affidavit, Lomanta said she entrusted to Masumoto some $20,000 for the shipment of tuna products to Japan on December 10, 2002.

Lomanta said based on their agreement, the Japanese national would return her money should he fail to transport her tuna products.

The complainant said she learned that the company of the accused failed to send her products to Japan.

Sometime in February, she said she stopped sending her tuna products to Japan and asked the Japanese to return her money.

She said the Japanese national later paid her the peso equivalent of $17,800 dollars on February 28 with the remaining $2,200 to be paid a week later.

Lomanta said the accused failed to honor his agreement, prompting her to file the case.

Aside from the $2,200 payment, the television host also asked for another P145,000 payment for the expenses she has incurred in filing the case.

Source: Philippine Press