Model Deniece Cornejo spent her first night at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong on May 2 after she was convicted for serious illegal detention in a case filed by TV host and comedian Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro.
In a decision on May 2, the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 153 found Cornejo, Cedric Lee, Simeon Palma Raz Jr. and Ferdinand Guerrero guilty beyond reasonable doubt for serious illegal detention of Navarro and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua.
Deniece Cornejo and Simeon Raz Jr. at the Taguig Police Station for documentation on May 2 before their transfer to prison facilities (Taguig Police)
Vhong Navarro thanking the Taguig court for the decision on 'It's Showtime" on May 2 (Screenshot from "It's Showtime" video on YouTube)
“Wherefore, premises considered, this court hereby finds accused Deniece Millinette Cornejo, Cedric Lee, Ferdinand Guerrero And Simeon Palma Raz, guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of serious illegal detention for ransom, defined and punished under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended; and hereby sentences them to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua,” the court ruled.
Reclusion perpetua is different from life imprisonment. Reclusion perpetua imposes imprisonment of 20 years and one day to a maximum of 40 years.
Immediately after the decision was handed down by the Taguig court, Cornejo and Raz, who attended the hearing, were taken into custody by the police.
Cornejo was transferred to the CIW and Raz to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa to start serving their sentences.
Lee surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and is expected to be transferred to the NBP.
Corrections Senior Inspector Marlon Mangubat, head of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Public Information Office, said Cornejo and Raz underwent admission procedures upon their arrival at the prison facilities.
Cornejo arrived at the CIW at 5:30 p.m. on May 2 accompanied by the Taguig Police and lawyer Manuel Ventura III, according to Mangubat.
At about 6 p.m., Cornejo started undergoing admission procedures including having her fingerprints and mugshots taken. Based on the BuCor operating manual, Cornejo was assigned her permanent prison number.
After completing the process, Cornejo was taken to the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) building of CIW.
Mangubat said Cornejo will stay at the RDC for 60 days for orientation and diagnostics.
He said as a newly arrived prisoner, Cornejo is classified as a maximum security prisoner and will wear the tangerine uniform.
“Lahat po ng bagong dating natin sa RDC, ang security classification po niyan ay maximum. Tapos iyan din po ay sasalang din po sa tinatawag natin na initial classification para malaman kung ano talaga ang magiging classification. Binabase naman iyan kung ano ang sentensiya dun sa tao (All new arrivals at RDC, their security classification are maximum [prisoner]. And then they will undergo what we call initial classification to know what will be the classification. This is based on the sentence imposed on the person),” said Mangubat.
Under the BuCor operating manual, maximum security prisoners are those whose minimum sentence is 20 years. Cornejo’s minimum sentence is 20 years.
All newly arrived prisoners at BuCor are given supplies including uniform, blanket, pillow and slippers.
After 15 days, Cornejo can accept visitors at RDC. Mangubat also said all prisoners are given daily food ration. Outside food can be brought to Cornejo after 15 days.
Meanwhile, Raz arrived at the NBP RDC at 6:10 p.m. escorted by the Taguig Police and the Muntinlupa Police.
Just like Cornejo, he underwent admission procedures and will stay temporarily at the NBP RDC. He will also wear the tangerine uniform.
In the decision, the Taguig court also ordered the four accused to pay Navarro P100,000 as civil indemnity; P100,000 as moral damages and P100,000 as exemplary damages.
Related story:
Taguig RTC convicts Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo for serious illegal detention filed by Vhong Navarro