MANILA, Philippines – Actor and TV host Ferdinand “Vhong” H. Navarro surrendered himself to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday, September 19. This came after a Taguig court issued a warrant of arrest against the actor last September 15.
Navarro surrendered at the NBI after Taguig City Metropolitan Trial Court Presiding Judge Angela Francesca M. Din of Branch 116 found probable cause to arrest him for acts of lasciviousness filed by model-stylist Deniece Cornejo in 2014.
"After personally evaluating and taking into consideration the information filed in the above-entitled case, as well as allegations in the complaint-affidavit executed by the offended party, which are all under oath, together with the supporting documents attached thereon, the Court finds that there is probable cause to hold the accused for trial,” the judge's ruling stated.
A bail of P36,000 was ordered for Navarro’s provisional liberty.
Navarro is also facing a rape case filed by the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office before the regional trial court (RTC).
Both cases were already dismissed by the prosecutor’s office and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2018 and 2020. However, the Court of Appeals' 14th Division earlier reversed the decisions.
An excerpt of CA's decision to grant Cornejo’s appeal stated, "Ultimately, it falls upon the trial court to determine who between Navarro and Cornejo speaks the truth. Cornejo decries attempted rape on the night of January 22, 2014 while Navarro denies any wrongdoing on his part."
Meanwhile, Navarro's lawyer Atty. Alma Mallonga expressed her confidence that her client will be able to defend his innocence before the court.
"Palagay ko hindi naman magkakaroon ng problema dahil kumpleto ang mga prerequisite. We are going to comply with it within the day. We are confident that Mr. Navarro will be granted bail," she said.
"He knows he is innocent. He knows he has people who will continue to believe in him and to help him…life goes on and we will continue fighting," she added.
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Vhong Navarro faces complaint for acts of lasciviousness | Photo Credit: ABS-CBN |
Navarro surrendered at the NBI after Taguig City Metropolitan Trial Court Presiding Judge Angela Francesca M. Din of Branch 116 found probable cause to arrest him for acts of lasciviousness filed by model-stylist Deniece Cornejo in 2014.
"After personally evaluating and taking into consideration the information filed in the above-entitled case, as well as allegations in the complaint-affidavit executed by the offended party, which are all under oath, together with the supporting documents attached thereon, the Court finds that there is probable cause to hold the accused for trial,” the judge's ruling stated.
A bail of P36,000 was ordered for Navarro’s provisional liberty.
Navarro is also facing a rape case filed by the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office before the regional trial court (RTC).
Both cases were already dismissed by the prosecutor’s office and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2018 and 2020. However, the Court of Appeals' 14th Division earlier reversed the decisions.
An excerpt of CA's decision to grant Cornejo’s appeal stated, "Ultimately, it falls upon the trial court to determine who between Navarro and Cornejo speaks the truth. Cornejo decries attempted rape on the night of January 22, 2014 while Navarro denies any wrongdoing on his part."
Meanwhile, Navarro's lawyer Atty. Alma Mallonga expressed her confidence that her client will be able to defend his innocence before the court.
"Palagay ko hindi naman magkakaroon ng problema dahil kumpleto ang mga prerequisite. We are going to comply with it within the day. We are confident that Mr. Navarro will be granted bail," she said.
"He knows he is innocent. He knows he has people who will continue to believe in him and to help him…life goes on and we will continue fighting," she added.
— Sally, The Summit Express
