By Nycel Jane Dela
Aside from strings of cyber libel cases, spouses India and Jay Lavapiez are once again facing legal battle after they were temporarily released after they voluntarily surrendered and were able to post bail for estafa case.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Rogelio Tomagtang Jr., chief of the Roxas City Police Station, confirmed that the couple presented themselves to authorities on July 15 after learning of the warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 78, in Parañaque City.
The arrest order, dated June 29, 2026, charges both with estafa under Article 315, paragraph 1(b) of the Revised Penal Code.
According to Tomagtang, the couple initially expressed surprise upon learning of the warrant, claiming they believed they had already settled their legal obligations after posting bail in an earlier case.
However, police verification showed that the warrant pertained to a separate estafa complaint that had been recently filed against them. Court records indicate that bail was set at P18,000 each for their provisional release.
The warrant also directs law enforcement officers to comply with the Supreme Court’s Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras in the Execution of Warrants to ensure transparency during the arrest process.
The latest case adds to the legal challenges currently confronting the Lavapiez couple, who have figured in several controversies in recent months. While they have secured temporary liberty through the posting of bail, the criminal proceedings will continue before the court.
Under Philippine law, a warrant of arrest is issued only after a judge determines that probable cause exists based on the evidence presented by the prosecution. The filing of criminal charges and the issuance of a warrant do not constitute proof of guilt. The accused remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a competent court.
The estafa case will proceed before the Parañaque court in accordance with the Rules of Court.
