Aquino brings up ‘pyramid scam’ issue with Malaysian PM Najib

President Aquino arrives in the Philippines after his successful participation in the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

BUSAN, South Korea — President Benigno S. Aquino III said he brought up the issue of the “pyramid scam,” particularly concerning Manuel Amalilio, founder of Malaysia-based investment company Aman Futures, with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak last Thursday.

The two leaders had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of their attendance of the 25th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Republic of Korea (ASEAN-ROK) Commemorative Summit here.

“Pwede bang sabihin ko na lang sa inyo, pinag-usapan namin ang tungkol kay (Manuel) Amalilio and there was a very good response from Prime Minister Najib (Razak),” President Aquino told the media during his regular coffee meeting with them on Friday when asked about the issues raised during the bilateral meeting.

President Aquino declined to expound on the details of his discussion on Amalilio, saying only that he does not want to preempt a “nice development” that he expects to happen soon.

The Philippines has been seeking the extradition of Amalilio, a Filipino of Malaysian descent who had reportedly duped thousands of Filipinos in a P12-billion investment pyramiding scam.

Having managed to evade arrest, Amalilio fled to Malaysia where he was apprehended for carrying a fake passport. After facing a two-year jail sentence, he was freed by Malaysian authorities.

The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs has since rejected the appeal of the Philippine government to extradite Amalilio, allowing him to elude the syndicated estafa case filed against him in the Philippines.

While there is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and Malaysia, the Department of Justice has vowed to have Amalilio deported and brought to justice.

Aside from Amalilio, President Aquino also discussed with Prime Minister Najib the kidnapping incidents concerning Malaysians.