Vhong Navarro: ‘Justice served’

MANILA, Philippines: Following a decade-long legal struggle, actor and TV host Vhong Navarro said that his prayers for justice were finally answered after businessman Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo, and two others were found “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” for the serious illegal detention case he filed against them.

During the Thursday episode of “It’s Showtime,” Navarro took the opportunity to thank the individuals and entities who stood by him throughout the ordeal.

” Gusto kong [kunin] ang pagkakataong ito para magpasalamat. Of course, maraming salamat Lord dahil lagi kang nakagabay sa akin. Sa dami ng pinagdaan ko sa buhay nandiyan ka, ikaw ang naging sentro ko at napakatotoo mo. (First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Of course, thank you, Lord, for always guiding me. Through life’s trials and tribulations, you have been my anchor, unwavering and true),” Navarro said.

VINDICATION Actor-host Vhong Navarro thanks supporters during the episode of ‘It’s Showtime’ on Thursday, May 2, 2024, following the conviction by a local court of businessman Cedric Lee, model niece Cornejo and two others for the case of serious illegal detention he filed against them. SCREENSHOT YOUTUBE/ITSSHOWTIMENA 

He went on to acknowledge the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 513 for their commitment to delivering justice.

Navarro also expressed his appreciation for his legal team, led by Alma Mallonga, for their dedication throughout the proceedings, as well as the ABS-CBN executives, his talent manager director Chito Roño, Streetboys and friends for their “unwavering support since day one” and for giving him the source of strength.

Navarro also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his fans and “It’s Showtime” family despite the negative rumors and criticisms.

He ended his speech by expressing his gratitude toward his family, particularly to his wife Tanya Bautista.

In a 94-page decision, the Taguig RTC Branch 153, led by Judge Mariam Guzon Bien, found Lee, Cornejo, Ferdinand Guerrero, and Simeon Raz guilty beyond reasonable doubt of serious illegal detention for ransom under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code. They were sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua, or up to 40 years imprisonment and also canceled the bail bond.

“It is all too apparent that the accused planned and premeditated to restrain Vhong Navarro to extort money from him. Proof of their agreement is inferred from their conduct before, during, and after the commission of the crime,” the court said.

Cornejo and Raz, who personally attended the promulgation, were committed immediately by the court. An arrest order was issued against Lee and Guerrero, who were not present during the promulgation.

Navarro accused Lee of detaining him in a Taguig City condominium on Jan. 22, 2014.

Lee, along with his accomplices, allegedly assaulted the actor-host and demanded a ransom of P2 million, to which Navarro agreed to pay P1 million.

Cornejo accused Navarro of attempted rape, which was used by Lee to justify the assault. CCTV footage, however, contradicted Cornejo’s timeline.

Navarro’s legal team argued the impossibility of the alleged assault.

Lee attempted twice but failed to have the case dismissed.