Another woman accuses Vhong Navarro of rape

Vhong Navarro

MANILA, Philippines—Encouraged by the case filed by model Deniece Cornejo against actor Vhong Navarro, another woman has surfaced to accuse the comedian of rape.

Lawyer Virgilio Batalla said his client, whose identity has yet to be revealed, decided to come forward almost four years after the alleged incident happened, emboldened by Cornejo’s case.

“A rape victim has 20 years to file a case, waiting for the right time when she finds the strength and the resolve to have her case prosecuted,” Batalla said over Inquirer Radio 990AM on Thursday.

“She thought it was the right time because of the case filed against Vhong Navarro and she saw that the actor used the same modus operandi,” he added.

Batalla refused to give additional details about the case because he was not yet been given clearance by his client.

All he said was that the incident happened in 2010 and that his client, who met Navarro through a television show, is now in her mid-20s.

The case was filed with the Pasig City prosecutor’s office on Wednesday.

Batalla said he is providing free legal assistance to the woman through the Lingap Pinoy Foundation.

He appealed to the public to understand the situation of rape victims.

“In all rape cases, the woman is always at a disadvantage, through the prosecution, through publicity… People have a different view of women who recount their ordeal, especially when it comes to the crime of rape,” he said.

Meanwhile, Navarro’s lawyer Alma Mallonga said the case is just a distraction from Cornejo and Cedric Lee. She said the actor is more determined to see the case through because of the personal attacks against him.

While the woman’s client has refused to name her, blogs have been referring to a former beauty contest contender.

Originally posted at 10:57 am | Thursday, February 20, 2014

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