Guimaras gubernatorial bet arrested for alleged fraud using First Lady’s name

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Police say Margarita Cacho and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are cousins, something which allegedly helped the suspect defraud people

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Authorities on Tuesday, February 11, arrested a gubernatorial candidate in Guimaras province who allegedly namedropped First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to defraud individuals seeking government approval and contracts.

The Philippine National Police in Western Visayas identified the suspect as Margarita Cacho of Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras.

Cacho was arrested for alleged estafa in an entrapment operation in Guimaras, which was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group under the supervision of the Office of the President.

Cacho is seeking the gubernatorial post against Lucille Nava, the incumbent lone district representative of Guimaras. Lucille is the wife of the incumbent governor, JC Rahman Nava, who is seeking a seat in Congress in the midterm elections. 

PNP regional director Brigadier General Jack Wanky told a news conference on Wednesday, February 12, that Cacho was involved in a scheme in which she promised to facilitate government contracts.

Wanky said Cacho’s claims of connections to influential individuals, particularly the First Lady, made it easier for her to allegedly deceive victims. Police said the suspect and the First Lady, both Cachos, are relatives.

“This is no ordinary crime, as the suspect’s modus operandi involves securing government contracts by falsely promising would-be contractors or individuals dealing with the government that she can have their contracts approved,” he said.

Wanky confirmed that the suspect is a cousin of the First Lady based on their initial investigation.

“Yes [she is a cousin of the First Lady.] That’s what’s coming out of our build-up. The victims believed her since she claims to be a relative,” he added.

Articles 315 to 318 of the Revised Penal Code define estafa as defrauding another by deceit, false pretenses, or fraudulent acts.

Cacho’s arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by an individual to whom she had allegedly promised to secure a project for a private motor vehicle inspection center and an emission testing center from the Department of Transportation in exchange for P1 million.

Wanky said the complainant initially paid Cacho P400,000 in September 2024 but was later pressured by the suspect to pay the full amount in another transaction earlier this February.

Police also arrested Cacho’s secretary, Cayetano Leal, a resident of Barangay Misi, Lambunao, Iloilo, for his alleged involvement in the scheme.

Police have filed estafa charges against the two before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Guimaras.

Two personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who were acting as bodyguards for Cacho were also taken into custody.

Wanky said the two personnel failed to provide proof of their legitimacy during the operation, a violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the elections gun ban.

The PCG personnel were identified as Apprentice Seaman Marwin Parpan from Dipolog City and Seaman Second Class Rico Maylan from Siaton, Negros Oriental. They remain under police custody pending further legal proceedings.

Police are investigating whether the arrested PCG personnel were officially assigned as Cacho’s bodyguards or were privately hired.

Wanky said the investigation is ongoing, with indications that there may be more victims and possibly other accomplices involved in the scheme.

“Maybe she has other victims. We’re encouraging them to come out to file a complaint,” he added. – Rappler.com