Celebrity doctor refuses to enter plea in rape case
MANILA, Philippines — Celebrity cosmetic surgeon Joel Mendez refused to enter a plea during his arraignment yesterday on two counts of rape and attempted rape filed by a former endorser of his clinic before the Mandaluyong regional trial court (RTC).
Judge Imelda Portes-Saulog of Branch 214 entered a plea of not guilty for Mendez.
The doctor asked the court to reinvestigate the case as he also filed a motion for inhibition, saying Portes-Saulog has a “seeming animosity” toward him.
Mendez was arrested last month based on an arrest warrant for two counts of rape and attempted rape filed by a 17-year-old female endorser.
The complainant alleged that Mendez made advances on her on Sept. 29, 2015 in his clinic in Mandaluyong City.
Mendez posted bail of P360,000 – P120,000 for each case.
Portes-Saulog set the pre-trial conference on Sept. 19.
- Latest
- Trending
