Oops: Police File Charges Vs Cosmetics CEO Who Blew Whistle on Vax Slot Sale
If Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera’s reaction to the surprising turn of events on Wednesday were turned into a meme, it would be this:
Dizon-Cabrera, the CEO of local cosmetics brand Colourette Cosmetics, was reacting to reports that the Philippine National Police has filed charges against her and two others in connection to the alleged sale of COVID-19 vaccination slots.
Identified as suspects alongside Dizon Cabrera are 22-year-old Cyle Cedric Soriano Bonifacio and 25-year-old Melvin Polo Gutierrez. They were charged with estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, and violation of Section 21-H of Republic Act 11032 or the Anti-Red Tape Law of 2007, and Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office.
Dizon-Cabrera issued a statement expressing surprise at being tagged as a suspect in the scheme.
Here's my statement pic.twitter.com/yx7tby5anH
- Nina (@theninaellaine) June 9, 2021
“I am completely baffled as to why I am being dragged into this scheme, when in fact, I exposed this exact scam on my Twitter account last May 21, 2021,” she said. “ As of this writing I have yet to receive anything from the complainant’s end, but I am already in communication with my lawyer regarding this matter. The truth, as always, shall prevail.”
Dizon-Cabrera also unearthed the original Twitter thread where she claims to have exposed the vaccine slot-for-sale scam.
This is the original tweet where I exposed the said scam. I was the one who was offered, not the other way around. https://t.co/Mtd6WnMFe2
- Nina (@theninaellaine) June 9, 2021
In a report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said that the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ASG) listed Dizon-Cabrera as a suspect after investigations showed she offered 50 to 100 vaccination slots in Mandaluyong City.
“The offer showed intent to sell and alleged involvement in the illegal activity,” the PNP Chief said in a statement, quoting the ACG.
Based on investigations, the suspects allegedly offered vaccination slots in exchange for money, which is illegal as the vaccines are offered for free by local government units.
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