Nico Waje files counter-affidavit in acts of lasciviousness complaint vs. Athena Imperial
Nico Waje has formally responded to the acts of lasciviousness complaint filed against him by his former colleague Athena Imperial by submitting his counter-affidavit before prosecutors.
In an interview with the media, his legal counsel Leo Lalusi said that Waje is "very ready to answer any allegation against him."
"From the beginning naman, siya ang naglakas ng loob para harapin ang mga kaso kasi alam naman niya sa sarili niya na wala naman siyang kasalanan," he said.
Following this, the case is now submitted for resolution, which Lalusi said may take up to 60 days for the court to issue.
"Wala namang tinatago si sir Nico, so hindi naman kami ganoon nahirapan since katotohanan naman 'yung nilagay namin sa counter-affidavit namin," he said.
"We're hopeful, but again, ayaw naming i-preempt 'yung magiging decision ng honorable public prosecutor, but nag-prepare naman kami doon sa counter-affidavit namin," he added.
Imperial took legal action against Wage in early May.
Documents obtained by The Philippine STAR indicate that the former beauty queen and another ex-network employee filed separate complaints accusing Waje of acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as gender-based sexual harassment under Republic Act No. 11313.
Imperial told the news outlet said that pursuing legal action "was not an easy decision."
"It took time, reflection, and support from the people closest to me before I found the courage to come forward," the Miss Earth-Water 2011 titleholder said.
“At this point, I choose to place my trust in the legal process and in the institutions tasked to handle these matters properly and fairly."
Imperial, who's married to stock market advocate Ben Rodriguez, said she'll refrain from delving into the case and asked the public to allow the authorities to do their work "without speculation or prejudgment."
With regards to the other case filed by the ex-network employee, Lalusi said that they have yet to received the official subpoena, but asserted that Waje is nevertheless ready to face the allegations.