GMA reporter Athena Imperial files acts of lasciviousness complaint vs former colleague Nico Waje

GMA journalist Athena Imperial has sued former fellow reporter Nico Waje over alleged acts of lasciviousness.

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.

“This case is now before the proper forum. We will therefore allow the process to take its course and will not discuss the merits beyond what is necessary to protect our client’s rights,” APS Law, thorugh Atty. Aloi Renz P. Santos, said in a statement.

“Ms. Imperial-Rodriguez comes forward not only for herself, but also as an advocate for those who cannot yet speak for themselves. She believes that incidents of this nature can no longer be ignored, minimized, or tolerated in any workplace, profession, or industry.”

Imperial, in a statement to the STAR, 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."

Waje, who wed former GMA employee Leniel Waje in 2021, has yet to issue a statement on the matter, as of writing. His social media accounts have also been taken down.

PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to Waje and GMA Corporate Affairs for comment. (with reports from Nathalie Tomada)