Vhong Navarro won’t settle for dismissal of rape case

Actor Vhong Navarro. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines—Actor Vhong Navarro will never consider settlement to dismiss the rape complaint filed against him, his lawyer said Friday.

During Thursday’s preliminary investigation, the prosecutor asked the alleged victim of the actor, a female stunt double, if she was willing to have her case settled. Her counsel said yes.

“Kami, we will not consider settlement because nothing really happened,” Atty. Alma Mallonga said as she expressed confidence that the case against the actor will be dismissed.

“I think it is very revealing…If you are a victim, why would you settle?” she asked.

Aside from the rape complaint filed by the female stunt double, Navarro has another rape complaint filed by Roxanne Cabañero and Deniece Cornejo.

On Thursday, Cabañero also appeared during the preliminary investigation as well as Florencia Cornejo, grandmother of Deniece Cornejo.
Navarro had just stepped out of the office of Assistant City Prosecutor Nilda Ordoño when he was confronted by the stunt double’s supporters including Cabañero and the elder Cornejo. Their group came in white shirts printed with the words “Justice for rape victims.”

Mallonga said that what happened on Thursday showed that the complaints against Navarro were “orchestrated, scripted.”

All three separate complaints for rape against Navarro have been submitted for resolution.

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