Vhong denies 3rd rape charge, admits knowing 'victim'

MANILA, Philippines — Actor Vhong Navarro on Thursday submitted his counter-affidavit on the third rape complaint filed against him this year.

Filing his sworn statement before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office, Navarro denied the sexual assault charges by a former stand-in for a television series.

"I categorically deny that I raped the complainant  'sometime in early 2009,' supposedly inside my SUV 'with lots of other people around outside'," Navarro said in the affidavit.

"I did not ask my driver to tell complainant to go inside my car. I did not do the things she accuses me of doing to her inside the vehicle. I did not rape her," he added.

The television host, however, said he recognizes the alleged victim who was actress Bea Alonzo's double in I Love Betty La Fea.

"What I recall is that the complainant was of medium build with a height of around 5 feet and 7 inches. I also recall that she was physically fit which would have been necessary in her work as a stunt double," he said.

Navarro insisted that the 26-year-old complainant's supposed account of the incident was not specific enough.

"When the supposedly 'painful and humiliating experience' happened raises doubts about the credibility and truthfulness of her claims," he said.

The complainant said the actor molested her inside the vehicle five years ago, but was afraid to file a case against the actor until now.

"It is only now that I am coming out to tell my story because I was inspired by the courage of other women who are coming out now to seek justice and to tell the truth about Vhong," she said.

Navarro faced a rape complaint by model Deniece Cornejo after he was beaten up by her friends, led by businessman Cedric Lee. The case was junked by the Department of Justice on Thursday.

Also read: DOJ junks Deniece's rape complaint vs Vhong | Absolved Vhong thankful for 'second chance' with girlfriend

Another rape complaint by a former beauty pageant contestant was filed against Navarro in February. The actor also denied the charges.