Ejercito warns politicians against fake solicitations

MANILA, Philippines - San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito has warned his fellow politicians against groups using the Catholic Church to solicit funds.

Ejercito issued his warning after Florence Littaua, 40, with aliases Myla David, Bella Balte and Florence Salvatierra, was arrested while soliciting funds at his office in San Juan City last Saturday.

Doris Santos, Ejercito’s staff, said Littaua arrived at the lawmaker’s office asking for donation for the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) at around 3 p.m. last Feb. 3.

Last Friday, Santos called up the CWL office, to inform them that the donation of the San Juan government was ready for pick-up. CWL, however, said their group is not involved in any solicitation activity.

When Littaua arrived Saturday to pick up the “donation”, Santos had her arrested by the local police.

Littaua was detained at the San Juan City police detention center.