Vhong's alleged rape victim identified

MANILA, Philippines - The new rape complainant against TV host Vhong Navarro is only in her early 20s and she filed the case alone on Wednesday at the Pasig City Prosecutor's Office.

The victim's lawyer, Virgilio Batalla, said in a radio interview that the victim's name is Roxanne, who hails from Cebu City and was a candidate for Slimmer's World Bikini - Binibing Pilipinas beauty pageant in 2010.

Roxanne, 24, claims that the alleged rape happened in 2010.

Batalla said the complainant was encouraged to surface after Deniece Cornejo's filing of a rape case against Navarro.

Cornejo filed the rape case against Navarro after the TV host had filed several criminal charges against her and the group of businessman Cedric Lee for allegedly setting him up and attempting to extort money from him.

"Ngayon lamang siya nagkalakas ng loob dahil mayroong lumabas na kaso si Deniece laban kay Vhong," Batalla said.

Also read: Vhong Navarro faces new rape complaint

Batalla refused to give details on the alleged 2010 incident, but said that his client is prepared to face criticisms on the legal move. He added that the case will stand on its own regardless of Cornejo's allegations.

"Magbibigay daan [ang kasong ito] para sa mga babaeng namolestiya, kung sinuman, na natatakot lumabas, hindi lamang kay Vhong Navarro," Batalla said.

The lawyer, meanwhile, denied that Roxanne was convinced by Lee to surface and lodge the rape complaint against Navarro.

Batalla said that he did not give Roxanne any information on Lee when she approached his office to seek help.

The lawyer earlier said he is among the legal professionals of Lingap Pinoy Foundation, which provides free legal representation to people who cannot afford high legal fees.

Broadcast journalist Tony Calvento was the first to break the news on Wednesday on his Facebook account.

"A woman by name of 'Roxanne' has filed a case of rape versus Vhong Navarro with the [Department of Justice]. It's going to come out in the news any moment," Calvento posted.

Lawyer Alma Mallonga had alleged that they had earlier information that Lee was talking to several women to convince them to sue Navarro.