Topacio withdraws as counsel for Deniece Cornejo
LAWYER Ferdinand Topacio has decided to quit as counsel of model Deniece Millinete Cornejo in the rape case against television host Vhong Navarro, citing “differences with certain people.”
In a statement released to ABS-CBN reporter Niko Baua, Topacio said: “With this fundamental difference in managing the case, I cannot in good conscience and ethics continue to be part of the proceedings.”
“I wish to state that I am henceforth dissociating and distancing myself from the prosecution of Mr. Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro in the rape case filed by Ms. Deniece Cornejo against him.”
Topacio noted that he had represented Cornejo in the serious illegal detention case filed against her by Navarro, up to convincing the Court of Appeals to order the filing of rape case against the television host.
“I have done all these in the interest of attaining justice for Ms. Cornejo before the courts. There are certain people, however, who are trying to take the case in a direction which I do not wish to pursue as an advocate,” Topacio said.
On September 19, 2022, the Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 69 issued a warrant of arrest against Navarro for rape.
Presiding Judge Loralei Cruz Datahan recommended no bail for Navarro’s temporary liberty.
The CA 14th Division in a September 20, 2022 resolution denied the motions for reconsideration and issuance of a status quo ante order filed by Navarro.
Navarro, Ferdinand H. Navarro in real life, filed the motion for reconsideration on the appellate court ‘s July 21, 2022 ruling ordering the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office to indict him on the strength of model Deniece Millinete Cornejo’s complaint.
He also filed a status quo ante motion to stay the filing of the criminal informations.
But the CA said: ” Here, the issues raised by Navarro in his motion, i.e., the parties’ credibility, the truthfulness of their respective claims and the strength of their evidence, are matters best left to the determination of the trial court after a full-blown trial on the merits. “
