Korean sues compatriot for estafa

CEBU, Philippines - A Korean national formerly engaged in buy and sell business of Korean cars in Cebu City has filed charges of estafa against his fellow Korean before the Regional Trail Court on Friday for the latter’s alleged failure to pay him an amount of P1.5 million.

Rhee Kyung Hooh has filed charges against his friend Lee Kun So after the latter failed to pay the amount he borrowed despite several demands.

In his affidavit, Rhee said that in May 2007, Lee approached him and asked if he could borrow an amount of P1.5 million to augment his business capital as he badly needed the money to pay for the second hand Korean cars that he ordered in Korea.

In exchange for the amount that he will be borrowing, the respondent suggested that he would cover it with a postdated check plus P75,000 in interest per month and his Mitsubishi Montero as guarantee he would pay the amount.

Convinced of the deal, the complainant gave the amount to Lee, who in turn handed him the postdated check dated July 22, 2007 and the vehicle.

However, when Rhee tried to encash the check, the bank did not honor it because the account was already closed.

Rhee said that he continued contacting Lee for update and payment but the latter just kept on promising to pay him. Worse, he added Lee approached him again and asked if he could have the vehicles back as he will be selling it to be able to pay for the amount he borrowed.

Believing in the promise of the accused, Rhee gave the car but received no payment from the former.

The complainant said he tried to demand payment from Lee but he is already nowhere to be found and that he has already changed his address.

Charges has already been elevated to the Regional Trial Court after Lee failed to answer the charges despite several subpoena that have been sent to him. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB(THE FREEMAN)