On August 16 (Wednesday Manila time), Patricia Cruz-Bautista came forward with more detailed claims about her husband COMELEC chair Andy Bautista receiving approximately 500,000 pesos in referral fees from automated election technology provider Smartmatic Corporation.
Nilo Divina is Dean of the University of Santo Tomas – Faculty of Civil Law. He is managing partner of the firm Divina Law.
His name became prominent in the news in the Philippines after the release of Patricia Paz Bautista‘s affidavit in which she alleged, among other things, that her husband COMELEC chairman Andres “Andy” Bautista may have been receiving commission checks from the law firm.
From the Sworn Affidavit of Patricia Paz Bautista
COMMISSION PAYSLIPS/CHECKS FROM DIVINA LAW
Atty. Nilo Divina (“Nilo”) is one of Andy‘s best friends. He has known Nilo for, more or less, 6-8 years now; and he is actually the godfather to my eldest son, Xavier.I discovered several check and commission sheets from Nilo. It would appear that Andy secured the services of Divina Law, Nilo’s law firm, in order to profit from his (Andy) position in the COMELEC.
Based on the documents I found, Nilo issued several checks in Andy’s name and that of his family members, as Andy’s commission for assisting the law firm’s clients with the COMELEC.
What made me highly suspicious is that Nilo’s law firm has been handling, among others, government clients suchas as BASECO and UCPB, two (2) government entities that Andy constantly dealt with while he as the PCGG Chairman.
I created an impression, based on the breakdown sheets and check I found, that Andy was getting commissions from Nilo, while he was/is in active government service. Surely, a private practitioner such as Nilo would not give commission or some form of incentive to Andy if it wasn’t for any favor or service that he (Andy) had done for him (Nilo). However, it appears that Andy would get some sort of commission from Nilo for the clients that his (Nilo) law firm handled before the COMELEC, as well as other private people and institutions.
Answer this text: "FYI elamparo works for nilo divina batman of andy bautista…hired by Mar through nonong cruz…Mars elimination campaign."
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) December 2, 2015
Attorney Divina obtained an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science (Bachelor of Arts) in 1985 from the University of Santo Tomas. He earned his law degree (LLB) in 1989, from UST as well. He has been a member of the Philippine Bar since 1990.
He received a post-graduate diploma in International Tax Law from the Robert Kennedy College in Switzerland in 2004 and attended a post-graduate course on International Financial Law at the Oxford University in 2005.
Nilo T. Divina is listed in public records as having been a director of United Coconut Planters Bank.
Message of Nilo Divina
The recent controversy involving false allegations of unexplained wealth against Comelec Chair Andres Bautista has unfairly attempted to drag my name through the mire. Consequently, I have taken legal actions to protect and defend my reputation and the good name of DivinaLaw. I assure you that I have not been involved in any illegal or unethical activity and all my dealings are fair and above-board. I have no qualms that in due time, the truth will come out and prevail.
In the meantime, I encourage all our students to continue in their study of the law. With the opening of classes fast approaching, it is time to brush up on your past lessons and prepare for the forthcoming ones. Do not be troubled vn’th exaggerated news but instead focus all your time and efforts towards achieving your aim, the very reason why you enrolled in the Faculty of Civil Law in the first place – — the study of law and passing the Bar.
To my dear faculty members, your support through this trying time is the well from which I will draw the waters of my inspiration to defend my name and reputation. I believe that every challenging situation is an opportunity to showcase our character and I have 110 doubt that I will weather this storm and make the best out of it. But more than that, please continue to help me guide and inspire our students as they traverse the volatile but rewarding path towards academic excellence and success. Thank you and please continue to pray for me and all opus.
Manila
August 10, 2017
(Signed) Dean NILO T. DIVINA
Answer this text: “FYI elamparo works for nilo divina batman of andy bautista…hired by Mar through nonong cruz…Mars elimination campaign.”
