DOJ dismisses syndicated estafa complaint vs Gozon Group

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday dismissed the syndicated estafa complaint filed by business tycoon Ramon Ang against the Gozon Group of GMA Network after a settlement.

"In view of the filing of the withdrawal of complaint by complainant, we resolve to dismiss the instant complaint," the DOJ resolution said.

The DOJ resolution was approved by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Pedrito Rances and Prosecutor General Claro Arellano.

Last month, Ang filed a complaint for syndicated estafa against GMA Network Incorporated’s Gozon Group of major shareholders, led by Felipe Gozon due to alleged “non-return” of the P1-billion downpayment he paid to the network’s major shareholders as part of negotiations for the purchase of a participating minority equity interest in the company’s outstanding capital stock.

Aside from Gozon, Ang also included nine other respondents, Felipe  Gozon Jr., Anna Teresa Gozon-Abrogar, Ismael Augusto S. Gozon, Belinda G. Madrid, Ma. Erlinda G. Gana, Jaime Javier Gana, Florencia Gozon Tarriela, Edgar Tarriela, and Tricia T. Valderrama in his 18-page complaint-affidavit.

Ang accussed the respondents of “retaining” the downpayment and refusing to return it to him despite his demand after talks for his buy-in collapsed.

Last August 14, both parties settled when the Gozon Group agreed to return the P1 billion.

After the settlement, Ang submitted his affidavit of desistance before the DOJ.

"I filed the complaint-affidavit on the good faith belief that the respondents committed estafa/syndicated estafa in refusing to return my downpayment of P1 billion. However, after re-examining all the facts and attendant circumstances, including the subsequent return of the downpayment, I have come to the decision to withdraw the complaint-affidavit and voluntary desist from prosecuting this case," Ang said.