Parokya Ni Edgar lead vocalist Chito Miranda is standing by his wife, actress Neri Naig, who has found herself at the center of controversy due to her alleged involvement with Dermacare.

Naig has been accused of violating provisions of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

Miranda recently took to Instagram to share a letter purportedly from Dermacare COO Chanda Atienza, apologizing to Neri for being dragged into the issues facing the beauty clinic chain.

“I want to begin by expressing my sincere apology on the current issues that Dermacare is going through right now to which you are not supposedly part of,” Atienza reportedly wrote.

The letter further requested that Naig remain neutral in the dispute to avoid escalating the situation, stressing that her support for the investors involved could hinder the company’s ability to reach a fair resolution.

“As you are likely aware, there is a current issue surrounding our inability to distribute shares to some of our investors. We understand and share your concern for fairness and transparency in this matter. However, it is essential to recognize that this situation is complex, and we are actively working towards resolving it in the best interest of all parties involved, most particularly our valued investors,” said the letter supposedly coming from Atienza.

“We value your influence and positive reputation, and by staying neutral, you can help us work toward an equitable solution,” the letter read.

“While we respect your desire to support the investor in question, we kindly request that you reconsider your involvement in this matter. Taking sides in a complex dispute can escalate the situation and hinder our ability to reach an equitable resolution. It is crucial that we allow the proper channels and legal processes to unfold, enabling us to find a fair solution that respects the rights and interests of all parties,” Atienza reportedly wrote.

Dermacare, officially operating as Beyond Skin Care Ventures Inc., has been under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) radar for some time due to allegations of illegally soliciting investments from the public without proper registration.

In September 2023, the SEC issued a warning about Dermacare’s franchise partnership agreements, which allegedly promised investors a 12.6% return every quarter for five years, in addition to complimentary salon services. Such offers, which seemed too good to be true, raised serious red flags.

By May 2024, the SEC escalated its efforts, filing formal charges against Dermacare and its officers for violating the Securities Regulation Code. The complaint alleges that the company sold unregistered securities, a breach of the SRC that carries severe penalties.

Violators of the SRC could face fines of up to ₱5 million, imprisonment of up to 21 years, or both.

This case serves as a reminder to always verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities and heed regulatory warnings to avoid falling victim to unregistered schemes.