Jewelry scam suspect ready to stand trial

MANILA, Philippines - A former assistant of socialite Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas who allegedly masterminded a multi-million jewelry scam is ready to stand trial for syndicated estafa, according to her psychiatrist.

Suspect Ma. Elena So Guisande, who has been confined at St. Clare’s Medical Center in Makati City, is expected to attend the arraignment of her case at the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 208 on Feb. 2 upon clearance of attending psychiatrist Dr. Rene Yat.

“After encouraging her to state only what is factual she could be free from this emotional bondage (that’s keeping her in confinement),” Yat told the court in a progress report obtained by The STAR.

Yat said that as of the first week of January, he has reduced the dose of medication and mood stabilizers to put his patient to sleep.

“She is more relaxed and confident. Mood is happy but affect is constricted. No perceptual disturbance noted. Judgment is fair. Good insight,” he said.

Although Guisande may be ready to appear in court, Yat said that she is “still depressed and sleepless over the possible outcome of her ordeal” and he prescribed more “anti-psychotic medications to reverse her insomnia.”

Yat has diagnosed Guisande to be anhedonic – she has an inability to experience pleasure from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction or sexual activities – and also suffering from bipolar disorder.

He said she needs to “continue her medication even if her ordeal is over because of the presence of probands (genetic predisposition) in the family.”

Guisande was earlier confined at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), which earlier discharged her after finding that she is “fit for the rigors of trial.”

Last month, the Court of Appeals gave the Mandaluyong City court the go signal to try Guisande after the parties agreed to proceed with the trial while allowing her to continue her medical treatment at her hospital of choice.

But the camp of Guisande insisted that she is ill and transferred her from the NCMH to the St. Clare’s Medical Center along with at least two security personnel after proper coordination with the trial court.

Guisande faces charges of syndicated estafa, a non-bailable offense, after she allegedly pawned jewelry she was supposed to sell. She also faces charges of violating the bouncing checks law.

Her co-accused are her husband, Antonio Vicente; siblings John So, Maria Melitona Sanches, Joanne Villena, and some of her employees.

Among the complainants are Arenas’ son, Christopher; spouses Michael and Barbara Tolentino; Agnes Huibonhoa and Doris Deborrah Palispis.