After a decade, the TV host-actor won in his case against the four individuals.
On Thursday, the Branch 153 of the Taguig Regional Trial Court handed out its verdict on the serious illegal detention case filed by ‘It’s Showtime’ host Vhong Navarro versus the camp of Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, and two other personalities.
The court found the group guilty and has committed Cornejo and another respondent, Simeon Raz, to be transferred to jail.
Meanwhile, Lee and another accused, who both did not attend the promulgation, will be issued a warrant of arrest.
The RTC branch has sentenced the respondents to life imprisonment over the case and has canceled their bail bond.
It also ordered Lee and company to pay Navarro Php 100,000 for civil indemnity, another Php 100,000 for moral damages, and Php 100,000 for exemplary damages.
On ‘It’s Showtime,’ Navarro, who was not able to attend the promulgation, took some time to air his statement on the noontime show after his victory.
Foremost, Vhong thanked God, who he called as his “core” for guiding him.
Aside from that, the TV host also expressed his gratitude to the court for “serving justice I’ve long prayed for,” as well as his legal counsel.
He also showed appreciation toward ABS-CBN executives, led by its President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO Cory Vidanes, Chairman Mark Lopez, as well as other officers who he said stood with him since day 1.
Vhong also gave a ‘shoutout’ to his manager Chito Roño, fellow Streetboys member, his other friends, and fans for the support.
Navarro also addressed his ‘Showtime’ family, to whom he apologized for being aloof during segments.
“Maraming salamat kasi hinahabaan niyo ‘yung pasensya niyo kasi minsan lutang ako. Rollercoaster ‘yung pinagdaanan ko, ang hirap i-explain, pero minsan sabaw ako eh.”
Lastly, he thanked his children and family members. He also directed a special message to his wife Tanya Navarro, where he turned visibly emotional.
“Marami akong pagkukulang sa’yo, pero hindi mo ako iniwan. Marami akong kasalanan, pero nandiyan ka pa rin. Hayaan mo akong bumawi sa’yo hanggang sa abot ng aking makakaya hanggang sa huling sandali ng buhay ko. Mahal na mahal kita [at] salamat.”
The case of Vhong Navarro against Cedric Lee and Deniece Cornejo began on the night of January 22, 2014 in Taguig City.
In his report, Navarro said that he was physically assaulted and held captive by Lee and company, who had allegedly attempted to extort Php 2 million from him and be freed in exchange.
Vhong coughed up Php 1 million.
Cornejo also filed rape charges against the TV host-actor, which was used as their camp’s reason for the mauling.
However, the court in its ruling said that the case is part of their scheme to extort money from Navarro.
Despite the conviction and arrest order, the four accused individuals can still appeal their case before the higher courts.
In related developments, in February 2023, the Supreme Court had formally dismissed the rape and acts of lasciviousness charges filed against Vhong Navarro.
The revival of the said case caused Navarro’s imprisonment in late 2022.
But the SC said that there had been an error in the Court of Appeals’ decision to order the Department of Justice to bring back the case, citing the inconsistent statements made by complainant Deniece Cornejo.
Trendrod 