Dancer and toy collector Yexel Sebastian has broken his silence on the allegations linking him and his partner, Mikee Agustin, to a P200-million investment scam.
After more than a year of keeping a low profile, Yexel took to Instagram and Facebook to deny the accusations.
The controversy surrounding the investment scheme escalated when investors sought help from Senator Raffy Tulfo’s public service program. Yexel, in a previous phone call with Tulfo, explained that he and Mikee were merely investors and not owners of the casino junket operation in question.
“Kami ni Mikee, investor din po kami talaga. Ito po kasing investment na ‘to ipinasok sa casino junket operations. Hindi po ako ang may-ari nito,” Yexel said during his conversation with Tulfo.
In his latest statement, Yexel clarified that no arrest warrant or hold departure order has been issued against him or Mikee.
“Mula umalis kami ng Pilipinas, Oct 9, 2023, hanggang sa kasalukuyan, wala po kaming kaso, hold departure, o warrant of arrest. Hindi po kami wanted,” Yexel wrote.
He accused various media outlets, vloggers, and influencers of sensationalizing the issue for profit.
“Yan po ay pinalaki ng maling programa, mapanghusgang media personalities, at mga nakikisawsaw na vloggers para pagkakitaan,” he added.
Yexel pointed out that the case is still under review by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and has not moved forward.
“Sinampahan kami ng kaso at nasa DOJ pa rin hanggang ngayon. Wala pang resolution kung aakyat ba ito bilang kaso o ibabasura ng korte,” he explained.
He criticized how people have already judged him despite the case being in its early stages.
“Mas madali maniwala sa chismis kaysa maging matalino at mag-isip,” he lamented.
Yexel also revealed that Hector Pantollana, the operator of the casino junket, was arrested in Indonesia in November 2024 and is now detained in the Philippines. Despite this, Yexel continues to face public backlash.
The dancer shared the emotional toll of being accused, particularly being labeled as a scammer targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Ang tagal kong binuo ang pangalan ko, hindi para manloko. Dati rin akong OFW at alam ko ang hirap sa bawat pisong kinikita,” he said.
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He expressed his desire to help those who were financially affected but clarified that he was not directly responsible for their losses.
“Hindi ako ang nangutang sa kanila. Ngunit gusto ko silang tulungan sa paraan na alam ko,” he added.
Despite the controversy, Yexel said he remains optimistic and places his trust in God.
“Kahit mahirap ang sitwasyon, wag kang hihinto manalangin. Darating ang araw na liliwanag muli ang madilim na daanan,” he concluded.
Yexel and Mikee are believed to still be abroad as the legal proceedings continue. Meanwhile, the public and media await further updates on the case’s progress.
