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GMA reporter files acts of lasciviousness complaint against former colleague

Published May 13, 2026 04:31 pm
Athena Imperial (Instagram)
Athena Imperial (Instagram)

Beauty queen-turned-journalist and GMA News senior correspondent Athena Imperial has filed complaints for alleged acts of lasciviousness and alleged gender-based sexual harassment against former colleague Nico Waje before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City on Wednesday.

According to documents filed before prosecutors, Imperial alleged violations of Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers acts of lasciviousness, and Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, which penalizes gender-based sexual harassment.

Imperial personally appeared at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office with her legal counsel to submit the complaints. However, her camp declined to disclose details contained in the affidavit submitted to authorities.

Imperial first gained national recognition after winning Miss Philippines Earth 2011 and was later crowned Miss Earth-Water 2011.

In April 2018, she married stock market advocate John Ben Rodriguez. The couple has a daughter.

Meanwhile, Waje, also a former GMA reporter, drew widespread attention on social media for his on-ground coverage during Typhoons Crising and Dante in July 2025.

Waje left GMA Integrated News following reports linking him to allegations involving Imperial. However, no official details about his departure have been publicly confirmed.

As of writing, Waje has not publicly issued a statement regarding the complaints.

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