By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla lauded the prosecutors who handled the case of actor/host Vhong Navarro following the conviction of Deniece Millinette Cornejo, Cedric Cua Lee, Ferdinand Guerrero, and Simeon Palma Raz, Jr.
Antipolo City Prosecutor Mari Elvira B. Herrera, Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Hazel C. Decena-Valdez and Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia L. Torrevillas were the prosecutors in Navarro’s case.
“This conviction is a testament of the hardwork and dedication of our prosecutors that the DOJ will always serve as a beacon of hope for victims of injustice, reaffirming our commitment to the people that justice will be enforced to or against anyone regardless of social status, fame, power or wealth,” Remulla said.
In a 94-page decision dated 02 May 2024, presiding Judge Mariam G. Bien of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court-Branch 153, found Cornejo et al guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of serious illegal detention for ransom and sentenced them the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua.
The Court did not believe the accused’s defense that they performed a citizen’s arrest on Navarro after the latter supposedly attempted to rape Cornejo in the condominium unit.
“No less than the Supreme Court found no credence on Cornejo’s story of rape,” the Court noted.
(el Amigo/MNM)
