“It’s Showtime” host and comedian Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro is celebrating his 46th birthday today, Jan. 4, in the face of the biggest test in his life.
“Happiest birthday @vhongx44 Navarro. Always remember that there are a lot of people who loves you. Keep the strength and faith. Enjoy your day,” posted lawyer Mariglen Abraham-Garduque on Instagram.
She added that her wish is for Navarro to attain "absolute freedom."
“I wish him absolute freedom, the freedom that he deserves. Truth and justice prevails, this is the natural course of things. So it will just take a matter of time, he just need to keep his strength and faith," said Abraham-Garduque.
Abraham-Garduque served as Navarro’s collaborating counsel in his successful petition for bail related to the rape case filed by model Deniece Cornejo.
Navarro is accused of raping Cornejo in her condominium unit on Jan. 17, 2014. The Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 69 granted his petition for bail in the amount of P1 million.
After posting the P1 million bail, he was released from the Taguig Taguig City Jail Male Dormitory on Dec. 6. He was transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Detention Center to the Taguig City Jail on Nov. 21.
The case appeared to have prompted Navarro to renew his religious faith. He recently joined the religious group of singer Ogie Alcasid.
“Our 11 year old small group!! Ty Jesus for the different testimonies of faith that we learn from each other. Only by your grace dear Lord! Ty pareng @vhongx44 for joining us also. Hallelujah!!” posted Alcasid on Instagram.
Navarro is facing the biggest challenge of his life. His rape trial will start on Feb. 16 at the Taguig RTC Branch 69 and will last until Nov. 14, 2024 based on the schedule issued by the court.
He has repeatedly denied raping Cornejo.
