TV host-actor Vhong Navarro still found himself in hot water over the rape case filed by former model Deniece Cornejo against him in 2014.
This, as the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed and set aside the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) previous resolutions on the case in 2018 and 2020.
The CA decision, dated July 21, 2022, directed the City Prosecutor of Taguig City to file rape by sexual intercourse and acts of lasciviousness charges against Navarro.
“It was erroneous for the DOJ to deny Cornejo’s petition for review on the ground that her statements in the complaint-affidavits are inconsistent and incredible. In this regard, it bears to stress that the determination of probable cause does not depend on the validity or merits of a party’s accusation or defense or on the admissibility or veracity of testimonies presented,” the CA stated.
“Cornejo decries attempted rape on the night of January 22, 2014 while Navarro denies any wrongdoing. We reiterate once more that the preliminary investigation is not the proper venue on the respondent’s guilt or innocence,” it added.
In the 26-page decision penned by CA Associate Justice Florencio Mamauag Jr. with Associate Justices Victoria Isabel Paredes and Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura concurring, the CA said a proper trial would reveal who is telling the truth.
“Issues of credibility should be adjudged during the trial proper. It goes without saying that it is the trial court that has the unique power and position to observe the witnesses’ deportment, manner of testifying, emphasis, gesture, and inflection of the voice, all of which are potent aids in ascertaining the witnesses’ credibility,” the Court said.
To recall, Cornejo filed a case against the actor for alleged sexual assault on January 2014, which left Navarro severely injured.
Navarro claimed that he was attacked by Cornejo, Cedric Lee, and their other companions, and fell prey to their extortion scheme.
