American charged with estafa

MANILA, Philippines - A jobless American believed to be notorious for non-payment of bills was slapped with estafa charges yesterday after he allegedly failed to settle his account at a motel in Pasay City.

In his complaint submitted to the Pasay City Police Headquarters, Aliw Inn Motel manager Virgilio de Guzman, 41, said suspect Peter Miner, 59 together with two female companions occupied a room and consumed drinks that amounted to P1,330.

Miner, for his part, belied the charges and said this was the first time he was charged with fraud.

In an interview with The STAR, Miner said he has been trying to explain to Aliw Inn management that one of the women he was with ran away with his money that’s why he could not pay for what he has consumed. “How can I pay I’m locked up here?’ he said.

Court records, however, showed that estafa charges has also been lodged against Miner last January. The case was elevated to the city’s Regional Trial Court April 29.