While Tanya Bautista, wife of actor, TV host and dancer Vhong Navarro recently spoke about the detention of her husband with the legal assistance of Atty. Alma Mallongga before the media, Deniece Cornejo’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio is set to file a contempt of court case against Bautista and Mallongga.
What surprised Navarro, though, was a second arrest warrant issued by Judge Loralie Datahan of Branch 69 of the same court on the charge of rape filed by Cornejo.
Under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, rape is not bailable.
The Court of Appeals’ 14th Division earlier reversed the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2018 and 2020 that initially dismissed the rape and acts of lasciviousness complaints filed by Cornejo.
The DOJ previously ruled that the complaints lacked probable cause. Cornejo in her affidavit accused Navarro of raping her on January 17 and 22, 2014.
The CA then directed the City Prosecutor of Taguig City to file rape after finding sexual intercourse was sought forcibly.
Atty. Alma Mallongga—Vhong’s legal counsel—said that there was sufficient evidence to counter Cornejo’s accusations. Mallongga added that a motion for reconsideration would be filed.
“This is the rape complaint where Deniece Cornejo herself said it did not happen in two sworn declarations. Because a warrant of arrest has already been issued. Vhong again surrendered to the NBI. And his detention with the NBI, as a result of his voluntary surrender, is being processed. The custody of Vhong is now with the NBI,” said Atty. Mallongga.
Meanwhile, Deniece, a model and a social entrepreneur reposted in her Facebook wall the same message she publicly wrote some eight years ago after she was released from prison in connection with the mauling of Vhong.
Are the following words written on September 23, 2014 subliminal of what Deniece was thinking as a reaction to Vhong’s detention?
“I would like to thank all those who supported me and prayed for my safety. I am finally home healing with the family.
“Allow me to share with you some thoughts.
“In December of last year, I remember thanking the Lord for all the blessings (projects) he showered me with. I also asked God to use me as an instrument so I could touch other people’s lives more. I did not expect such answers. Before anyone misinterprets what I meant by this, let me make this clear—I am not accusing God for causing all that happened to me, I am seeing the purpose why things happened and the valuable lessons I learned from it. God is truly amazing; He makes all things beautiful in His time! And no matter how severe the verbal attacks and emotional suffering I experienced, these words from the bible made me strong .."The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2).
“I know my case was a revelation for me and others. Men and women stood with me and voiced out their own stories. Victim blaming was present but it also a offered an opportunity to discuss and educate people about the RAPE CULTURE in our society. The topic of rape was often avoided due to scandal and shame. I was maligned, called names, mocked and some even used my situation to further their gain. And it did not stop there; they even went as far as mocking my entire family. I am not a saint or the perfect person for others but I will take advantage of this situation in order to help.
“I would like to thank everyone who sent me their personal messages of hope, strength and prayers. Mostly to those who stood by my side even when all the odds were against me...I thank you for not leaving me-I was strong because you guys were there believing and praying. It is in the darkness that I saw the light!
“I fully understand that this is just the beginning and I hope you will continue to support and pray for me. I will never stop thanking all of you. And to my detractors/bashers/maligners/attackers, you too have a reason why you are there and that is to make me stronger than ever. My strong faith will never be shaken no matter what. God bless po.
“September 19 2014, the first day that I’m totally free.
“One day, you will see that I didn’t give up.”