Duper dad

MANILA — Bus, jeepney and even train passengers in Metro Manila have gotten used to encountering beggars asking for alms for a sick child or family member. They have ready medical papers to show as proof,

or props, to convince passengers to donate cash. The scheme apparently works as charitable commuters have emboldened others, including con men, to copy the scheme.

A jobless man tried the tactic to support his family. But instead of boarding buses, jeepneys and the LRT, he went to police stations with his own script to officers. Joseph Pajila Sr. introduced himself as an employee of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and asked for money to pay for the blood transfusion of a supposedly ailing child.

Pajila believes that policemen are helpful and will give money. He was right after he successfully duped cops from three precincts in Quezon City into giving him money.

On Sunday night, Pajila met his next victim. However, the policeman asked for the name of the child he claimed was confined at the San Lazaro Hospital. When the officer called the hospital to verify, he was told it had no such patient.

When the cop confronted Pajila for the swindling attempt, the con man admitted he has no sick child and is not an employee of DBM. The remorseful con man also confessed that the money he solicited from his victims were used for buying his children’s needs and for requirements for a job application at the DBM.

On Monday, Pajila’s next stop was at the Sampaloc Police Station to continue pleading with police officers. This time, he was not asking for cash donations, but for forgiveness and to be released him from detention as he faces charges of usurpation of authority, illegal use of uniform and insignia and estafa.