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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to probe controversial tycoon Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin for allegedly detaining a former employee against his will.
On Tuesday, May 27, the DOJ ordered Ongpin to appear before the department on June 9 at 2 pm for the preliminary investigation of the serious illegal detention complaint lodged against him and 11 others. (READ: Bobby Ongpin sued for serious illegal detention)
The probe will be handled by Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera.
Ongpin allegedly detained and psychologically tortured Eduveges Batalan, who used to worked for PhilWeb Corporation. The company is a gaming technology provider, whose board of directors is chaired by Ongpin.
The National Bureau of Investigation and Batalan filed the complaint before the DOJ on May 22 at around 11 am.
Sued along with Ongpin are: a lawyer and employees from the Alphaland executive office, a lawyer from PhilWeb Corporation, and security personnel from Alpha Force Security Agency.
Alphaland Corporation is an upscale property firm, whose board of directors is also chaired by Ongpin.
A former ally of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Ongpin was hailed by Forbes in 2013 as the country’s 11th richest man. He is embroiled in another legal battle with former business partner Ashmore. (READ: Ongpin vs Ashmore: The real deal)
Complaint
In the May 22 complaint filed before the DOJ, Batalan said Ongpin accused him of stealing millions from the company.
Batalan was allegedly brought to the Balesin Island Resort in the province of Quezon on February 4, where he was allegedly detained. The P4-billion exclusive island resort is among the properties of Alphaland.
Batalan claimed that “he was threatened to be stuck in the island unless he tells everything” about his alleged siphoning of company funds.
Batalan also said he was forced to sign pre-written affidavits while in the resort.
On February 12, a criminal complaint for qualified theft was filed by PhilWeb Corporation against Batalan before the Makati City prosecutor’s office.
Defense
In Ongpin’s defense, his lawyer Rodolfo Ma. Ponferrada said in a statement that the charges “are nothing but contrived accusations of a disgruntled employee.”
“As he stole millions of pesos from Mr Ongpin and his companies, more criminal cases are set to be filed against him,” Ponferrada said.
Batalan was terminated from PhilWeb Corporation for theft and dishonesty. A Notice to the Public was published on the BusinessMirror on February 18.
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