Guimaras gubernatorial bet Cacho arrested for alleged swindling

Guimaras gubernatorial candidate Maggie Cacho and three other individuals, including two Philippine Coast Guard personnel, were arrested on February 11 for alleged swindling.

Cacho, along with her secretary Cayetano Leal, allegedly misrepresented herself to influence the approval of Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) emission testing applications with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

She reportedly demanded PHP800,000 to PHP1 million from a businessman for the fast-tracking of these projects.

The complainant initially paid PHP400,000 in September 2024 and was asked to pay an additional PHP400,000 despite the project not being fulfilled.

Cacho allegedly claimed to be a close relative of the First Family and to have influence at the DOTr.

The entrapment operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after the businessman sought assistance when Cacho's connection to the DOTr was found to be false.

The suspects were apprehended during the operation in Barangay Sabang, Sibunag town, Guimaras.