GMA network: Gozon not related to woman in Vhong Navarro beating

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network denied that Deniece Milinette Cornejo, the girl who allegedly is one of the masterminds in Vhong Navarro’s beating, is connected to GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon.

In an exclusive interview with “Buzz ng Bayan” Sunday afternoon, January 26, Vhong mentioned the names of Deniece and a certain Cedric Lee as the persons allegedly involved in what transpired in the evening of January 23 at Deniece’ condo unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Related: Vhong Navarro: ‘Hindi ako rapist’

After the interview, pictures of Deniece circulated around the net and identified her as Atty. Gozon’s grandchild.

In a statement released by GMA network through their Facebook account Sunday evening, January 26, they said that, “the complainant involved in the Vhong Navarro incident is not related to GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.”

They also said that the news reporting they made about the issue is fair, as they stated both sides of those involved in the incident.

“From the moment GMA News learned of the story, it sought the side of Vhong Navarro,” the network said in the statement. “[Director Chito] Roño, his manager, gave GMA News a written statement, which was aired yesterday [January 25]."

“Today, GMA News aired an interview with Navarro's lawyer Atty Alma Mallonga. The report about the alleged attempted rape was based on the blotter filed at the Investigative Section of the Southern Police District where Vhong Navarro was taken after the incident. Other news organizations also reported it."

Legal action

Meanwhile, in an interview aired this afternoon in the entertainment talk show “Startalk,” Atty. Alma Mallonga said that their camp has already started on the legal actions against the alleged masterminds of the incident.

“The process has already begun,” she said. “Ang umpisa niyan is syempre nakunan na ng statement si Vhong, the incident is being investigated.”

She also mentioned that Vhong supposedly wants to settle the whole incident quietly, but as the reports about the blotter account came out, they’ve decided on it otherwise.

“Ayaw man sana namin magsalita, ayaw rin magsalita ni Vhong, kaya lang lumabas itong news na ito na lalong pambababoy kay Vhong.”

She added: “‘Yong ginawa sa kanya, katotohanan lang, kung alam ‘nyo lang ang ginawa sa kanya, ay dapat hindi maranasan ng kahit sinong tao. Walang karapatan ang kahit sinong tao na gawin ito sa kapwa niya na pambababoy, pambabastos, pambubugbog, pananakit, pananakot."

“And I think Vhong is prepared to do what is necessary dahil sa katotohanan lang, kung ito’y ginawa sa kanya na kilala at meron siyang pangalan, papaano pa ang ibang tao?”