Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto is escorted by an NBI officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on January 8, 2025.

Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto has been released from detention on Thursday (January 9) after posting bail for over 14 counts of alleged violation to the Securities Regulation Code. The actress had spent a night in detention at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters in Manila, a day after she voluntarily turned herself in over an arrest warrant issued against her over the said cases and was unable to immediately post bail. Her detention stemmed from her alleged involvement in a fraudulent investment scheme linked to Dermacare, a skincare company flagged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Quinto is accused of engaging in unregistered securities activities. According to court documents, each count of the offense is bailable at ₱126,000, bringing her total bail amount to P1.7 million. Quinto, visibly stressed, spoke briefly to reporters while in custody. “I am going through some issues, but I think 2025 is the end of everything that’s not good,” she said in Filipino. The actress also expressed her desire to confront her accusers in court. “I want to know why they accused me and who they are, just to clarify things. I’m happy to see the justice system in action.” Her legal counsel, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, claimed Quinto is also a victim of the scheme. “My client was merely an endorser and did not solicit investments. She was not paid and is therefore a victim herself,” Reyes explained. The lawyer further clarified that Quinto is not facing charges of large-scale estafa, contrary to public speculation. The actress had returned to the Philippines from Los Angeles, California, where she had been residing with her estranged husband, Trevoe Magallanes, and their daughter. Upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on January 8, Quinto was apprehended by the NBI’s International Airport Investigation Division following an alert order linked to her arrest warrants. She underwent booking procedures, including a medico-legal examination, before being transferred to the NBI’s main office. The Securities Regulation Code prohibits individuals from acting as brokers or dealers in securities transactions unless duly registered with the SEC. Dermacare has been flagged for non-compliance, with Quinto accused of promoting the company’s unregistered investment products. Quinto’s case mirrors that of actress-businesswoman Neri Naig, who was similarly detained months earlier for endorsing Dermacare. The growing list of high-profile endorsements tied to fraudulent investment schemes has heightened public scrutiny of celebrity roles in such promotions. Atty. Reyes has emphasized Quinto’s voluntary surrender and cooperation with the authorities. “She wants to clear her name and trusts the judicial process. Our next step is to secure her release on bail and address these allegations in court.” Quinto’s arraignment is expected in the coming weeks, as her legal team works to secure her release. Meanwhile, the SEC has reiterated its warning against unregistered investment schemes, urging the public to verify companies’ credentials before investing. CAM/Expat Media
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