Association official found guilty of estafa

The former treasurer of a homeowners’ association in Talisay City who was accused of pocketing their funds five years ago was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment yesterday after the court convicted her for estafa.

Regional Trial Court Branch 21 judge Eric Menchavez ruled that Geny Capa should be placed behind bars.  Capa —who is out on bail— failed to attend the promulgation of her case and the court is expected to issue a warrant of arrest against her.

During the trial of the case in court, Capa admitted having used for her personal interest the association’s funds amounting to P112,723 and failed to comply with her promise to pay back the amount.

She only managed to return P30,000.

Alejandro Hallazgo, the president of Puerto del Sol Homeowners Association, said Capa managed to take the association’s fund for her own personal use because while she acted as the treasurer, she was also the auditor of the association.

Aside from the penalty of imprisonment, the court also ordered Capa to pay back the remaining amount that she had spent for her personal use.  — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP