21/03/2026
NBI ARRESTS FAKE NOTARY PUBLIC IN LAS PIÑAS ENTRAPMENT OPERATION
PASAY CITY, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) has successfully arrested an individual in Las Piñas City for the unauthorized use of a notarial commission, and violations of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Ac
t.
The operation was initiated following a referral from the Vice Executive Judge of Manila. A complainant lawyer reported that the Subject was fraudulently offering notarial services by illegally using the lawyer’s name and professional credentials.
Investigation revealed that the Subject was operating under the business name “Rush Online Notary Service,” actively soliciting clients through various social media messaging applications.
On March 18, 2026, the NBI-OTCD executed an entrapment operation at the Subject’s office in Las Piñas City. The Subject was caught in the act of performing notarial functions while misrepresenting themselves as the complainant lawyer.
The Subject is facing criminal charges under the Revised Penal Code, including Falsification of Public Documents (Articles 171 and 172), Possession of Instruments for Falsification (Article 176), Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions (Article 177), and Estafa by Means of Deceit (Article 315). Furthermore, these offenses are being charged in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The Subject was presented for inquest proceedings at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Las Piñas City on March 19, 2026.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag stated that "The NBI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the integrity of our legal system. We will not tolerate individuals who undermine the notarial process and deceive the public for personal gain. We urge the public to remain vigilant and ensure they only avail of notarial services from legitimate notary publics."
