Cedric Lee testifies in Vhong’s bail hearing

MANILA, Philippines — Businessman Cedric Lee was presented yesterday as the first witness of the prosecution during the hearing of the petition for bail filed by comedian Vhong Navarro in connection with the rape complaint he is facing before a Taguig court.

Lee testified against Navarro at the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 69.

Prosecution lawyer Howard Calleja said they were given five hearing dates to present witnesses until Nov. 10.

Lee, who was convicted of grave coercion for beating up Navarro in 2014, refused to give a statement to media after the hearing.

Navarro’s lawyer Alma Mallonga reiterated that her client is innocent of the charges.

“He should not be held liable for that accusation,” Mallonga told reporters. “But it’s still up to the court to decide on the case.”

Navarro attended the hearing through videoconferencing.

The actor is being held at the National Bureau of Investigation detention facility on charges of rape and acts of lasciviousness filed by model Deniece Cornejo in 2014.

Cornejo failed to attend the hearing.