Alleged job scam: retired teacher denies claims

By Felipe V Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Marissa Basinang, who has been accused as an alleged job scammer, vehemently refuted claims that she solicited money from individuals promising them employment overseas.

Basinang, a 67-year-old retired educator from Brgy. Dulangan, Pilar town, has chosen not to speak directly to the media, delegating all communication to her attorney regarding the allegations made by the job applicants against her.

She insisted that she never asked for any financial compensation from the applicants, nor did she guarantee them employment abroad.

Several complainants have accused her of fraud, alleging that she made false job offers abroad.

These individuals, having spoken to Daily Guardian, recounted dealings with Basinang from February to September 2023, during which they were convinced to pay substantial sums, sometimes over P10,000, in the belief that they were securing job opportunities in Australia.

According to the complainants, Basinang claimed the money was for processing documents and fees for the services of Legacy Agency, which was supposed to facilitate the overseas employment process.

However, it has since come to light that the agency apparently does not exist.

Some of the complainants succeeded in getting their money back but not without bitterness, as many had gone into debt or quit their jobs in the hope of a new start abroad.

Additionally, it has been alleged that Basinang used different surnames, including Cowan and Baker, when receiving payments, leading to suspicions that her Australian husband and their children might be involved in the scheme.

The scope of Basinang’s purported recruitment reached beyond Capiz, affecting individuals from various regions.

These individuals were allegedly approached while receiving TESDA training in Manila, where they were working towards their NCII certification in caregiving.