The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a man who posed as lawyer while transacting business before the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
NBI Officer-In-Charge Director Eric Distor said Lamberto Payongayong was arrested by the NBI’s International Airport Investigation Division (NBI-AIAD) during an entrapment operation last September 16, in Quezon City following the complaint of the BSP. He was immediately presented for inquest before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for usurpation of authority in violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.
“BSP conducted verification and certification issued by the Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC), Supreme Court and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) states that Subject PAYONGAYONG is not a member of the Philippine Bar,” the NBI said in a statement.
The NBI said Payngayong had sent letters addressed to BSP Gov. Benjamin Diokno and BSP’s Currency Integrity Staff (CIS) Manager Henry De Vera claiming to be “a Trustee of a private individual involving Trust Account covering $300 Dodecallion which allegedly matured in 2007 and which he sought to be withdrawn with the help of the BSP.”
The suspect also claimed before the BSP that he is also “an Assignee of a parcel of land covered by Original Certificate of Title allegedly being used by the Central Bank of the Philippines to back up the printing of legal tender notes.”
After receiving the complaint from the BSP, NBI-IAID operatives hatched a plan in arresting the suspect who had been advised that “a reply was ready for release and pick up.”