Vhong Navarro surrenders to NBI
Actor and television host Ferdinand “Vhong” H. Navarro surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Quezon City on Monday, Sept. 19, after the Taguig City metropolitan trial court (MeTC) ordered his arrest on acts of lasciviousness filed by model Deniece Millinete Cornejo.
Navarro’s arrest was ordered by MeTC Judge Angela Francesca M. Din of Branch 116 after finding that the actor is probably guilty of violation of Article 336 of the Revised Penalty Code (RPC) on acts of lasciviousness.
He expressed optimism that he would be cleared of the charges.
“Kami yung bikitima, kami yung inobligado dito at feeling ko makukuha namin yung justice (I am the victim, I was obliged here, but I feel I will get justice),” he told journalists.
He admitted that he is open to talks to reach a settlement with Cornejo.
He also said he will continue to entertain the public despite the charges he is facing.
“Yun ang binigay sa akin ni Lord e na magpasaya ng tao at yun ang gusto ko magpasaya ng tao. Magtatrabaho pa rin ako (The Lord gave me the gift to entertain people and I like to make people happy. I will continue to work),” he said.
In finding that Navarro is probably guilty of the crime charge, Judge Din said: “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 ruling dated last Sept. 15 also stated: “As probable cause exists to hold the accused for trial, let a Warrant of Arrest be issued against accused Ferdinand “Vhong” H. Navarro.”
Bail of P36,000 was ordered by the judge for Navarro’s provisional liberty.
Aside from acts of lasciviousness, the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office also filed a rape case against Navarro before the regional trial court (RTC).
The filing of the cases was ordered by the Court of Appeals (CA) after Cornejo’s complaints were dismissed both by the prosecutor’s office and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Please also read: Actor Vhong Navarro ordered arrested on acts of lasciviousness filed by model Deniece Cornejo https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/19/actor-vhong-navarro-ordered-arrested-on-actsof-lasciviousness-filed-by-model-deniece-cornejo/