Deniece Cornejo’s lawyer questioned why Vhong Navarro was in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detention facility instead of the police after the arrest warrant was served against the actor in the rape case.
In Saleema Refran’s report on GMA News “24 Oras” this Tuesday, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Cornejo’s lawyer, said that Navarro should be detained in the Taguig City jail according to the law.
“Ang batas ang dapat sundin… At nakalagay sa batas, ang procedure diyan, ang taong naaresto para sa kaso na ito ay lilitisin sa lungsod ng Taguig, dapat nakapiit sa Taguig City Jail. ‘Yan ang batas,” said Topacio.
“Ang puwede lamang po i-detain sa NBI ay ‘yung mga arestado in flagrante delicto, ‘yung mga caught in the act or iimbestigahan ng NBI,” he added.
Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 69 issued the second warrant of arrest against Navarro for rape — a non-bailable case.
According to the actor’s camp, they have not yet received the commitment order from the court and the resolution that is the basis of the lawsuit. As a result, they are also preparing to file a bail petition.
“To be honest, hindi namin inakala na ganun kabilis ‘yung pag-issue ng warrant of arrest dahil mayroon kaming at least three motions before the Honorable Court,” said Atty. Alma Mallonga, Vhong Navarro’s lawyer.
Deniece Cornejo’s lawyer questions why Vhong Navarro detained in NBI jail
“Hindi lang sufficient na may kasong rape against Mr. Navarro. Dapat kapag humingi kami ng bail, obligado ang prosecution to show na malakas ang ebidensya, hindi lang kahit na anong level ng ebidensya, there should be strong evidence,” he added.
Mallonga also said they would respect the decision of where the actor should be detained. However, they are also waiting for Navarro to be indicted.
In January 2014, model Denice Cornejo accused Vhong Navarro of attempted rape, which he denied.
Netizens also claimed the influential uncle Kat Alano was referring to was Paquito “Jojo” Navarro Ochoa Jr., the former Executive Secretary of the Philippines under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
The rape case against Navarro was dismissed, and he is now married to a long-time girlfriend, Tanya Bautista.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.