DOJ wraps up probe on Aman case

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice's (DOJ) special panel handling the P12-billion Aman Futures estafa case wrapped up its investigation on Thursday after two officials of the investment firm surfaced.

Fernando Luna and wife, Nimfa, both board members of the Aman Futures Group Phils. Inc., appeared at the DOJ to submit their respective counter-affidavits to the special panel.

The couple, along with Aman Futures owner Manuel Amalilio, are charged with at least 40 respondents for the multi-billion investment scam.

The couple asked the panel in their affidavits that they be removed from the list of respondents. The couple said that they are also victims of the pyramiding scam since they are also investors at the Aman Futures.

DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said that the resolution of the special body on the estafa complaints would be delayed as they would allow the couple to submit their counter-affidavits today.

The panel has 90 days to come up with a resolution on the estafa complaints.

In the last hearing, Luna and his wife sought more time to submit their counter-affidavits, saying they only received copies of the complaints a few days before the hearing so they did not have ample time to prepare their answer.

Another respondent, agent Areceli Pasco Julian, was also summoned to personally affirm her answer, which she only subscribed before a notary public.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edna Valenzuela, special panel of prosecutors head, said all respondents, except the Luna couple, were able to submit their counter-affidavits during the hearing.