Binay warns of text scams bearing his name

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday renewed his call to the public to be wary of text scams bearing his name. 

“Be careful of text messages claiming you won a cash prize or a housing unit from my office or a certain Binay foundation,” he said. 

“We do not engage in any raffle contests. Do not allow yourselves to fall victim to unscrupulous individuals,” he added. 

Binay said a concerned citizen informed him of receiving the following text message: “< D/ JEJOMAR “BINAY” Foundation, nforming u dat ur CP# Won! Worth Php870,000. only, in Pabahay ni ‘BINAY’ 2014! DTI NCR prmit#5410s13, to claim, Pls. Call me now!! Im, Atty. Vic A. Acosta. Thanks>”

Binay said the National Bureau of Investigation arrested a woman in Bago City last year for allegedly using his name to swindle P500,000 from two contractors. 

He said the NBI said the suspect, a certain Ma. Cristita Tortogo, claimed to have supposedly facilitated a housing contract from his office and allegedly extorted money from the contractors. 

Tortogo is facing charges for violation of the Anti-Bouncing Check Law, falsification of public documents and other charges before the Bacolod City prosecutor’s office.

The NBI also arrested a man posing as the Vice President and tried to extort P300,000 from business magnate Lucio Tan.