‘Freeman’ Chris Brown shuns preliminary investigation

Chris Brown. AP FILE PHOTO

International singer Chris Brown failed to send a counsel or representative to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to face the US$1-million estafa complaint filed against him and his promoter by Maligaya Development Corporation (MDC).

READ: Iglesia’s estafa raps ground Chris Brown

During Friday’s preliminary investigation, only Brown’s promoter Filipino-Canadian John Michael Pio Roda and his counsel appeared before the DOJ.

Records of the preliminary investigation showed that Brown did not send a representative or counsel and no one received a subpoena sent by the DOJ.

Based on MDC’s complaint, MDC through J. Williams Management Group (JWMGI) negotiated with Roda’s Pinnacle Live Concepts Limited to bring Brown into the country. They agreed to the amount of $1,006,250 so that Brown can perform at the Philippine Arena on Dec. 31, 2014.

By Dec. 1, 2014,  JWMGI has already paid in full the agreed amount of which $700,000 were deposited directly to Brown’s account.

“As a result of Chris Brown’s nonappearance, the complainant corporation suffered not only financial damage but also damage to its reputation and embarrassment. It should be noted that hard-earned money from the public was used to purchase tickets in consideration for Mr. Brown’s performance. Since the complainant’s name was exposed in all marketing collaterals and its representatives even offered to sell the tickets themselves, the public’s outrage and disappointment were inevitably directed against the complainant,” the complaint stated.

“It is only just today that we were able to receive a copy of the complaint. We fully intend to address all allegations during the next hearing when we file our complaint,” Roda’s counsel Sarah Abraham said.

Last July 24, Brown was allowed to leave the country after securing an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) to show that he has no obligation in the Philippines.

READ: Chris Brown leaves PH after ordeal over legal issue

The Bureau of Immigration explained that it considered that Brown has no derogatory record despite the complaint filed by MDC because it is still pending before the Prosecutors’ office.

Roda, on the other hand stayed in the Philippines after the BI detained him for working without the appropriate permit, for defrauding his creditors by absconding, and for undesirability.

Both Brown and Roda, according to State Prosecutor Christine Marie Buencamino, have until Aug. 17 to submit their counter-affidavits. IDL