Hayden posts P20,000 bail, evades arrest

MANILA, Philippines - Controversial cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho Jr. posted bail last Tuesday before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court, paving the way for his provisional liberty in connection with the charges filed against him by his former lover, actress Katrina Halili.

Kho, accompanied by his counsels, posted P20,000 bail Tuesday afternoon at Pasig City RTC Branch 159. He is accused of violating Republic Act 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act, filed against him by Halili.

If convicted by the court Kho could suffer a jail sentence of six to 12 years and a fine of not less than P100,000.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed the criminal charges against Kho in connection with his sex video with Halili that was uploaded on the Internet.

The Professional Regulation Commission revoked Kho’s medical license on Nov. 20, 2009 in the aftermath of the sex scandal.

DOJ investigators led by Senior State Prosecutor Emilie Fe delos Santos, head of the Task Force on Women and Children Protection, said that Kho’s acts of recording his sexual exploits with Halili and other women without their consent “bespoke of his betrayal of their trust and lack of respect for women.”

Meanwhile, the panel dismissed for lack of evidence the complaints against Dr. Vicky Belo, Kho’s now estranged girlfriend, and alleged co-conspirators Erick Johnston Chua, Mark Herbert Rosario and Princess Marie Velasco.

Halili’s counsel Raymund Palad said that they were glad that Hayden has finally posted bail, adding that they are looking forward to the arraignment set on Feb. 23.

“If he is really sorry for what he did he should plead guilty as charged to save the time of the court as well as the parties. We will prosecute the criminal case until Hayden Kho Jr. is sent to jail for his crime,” Palad said.

Palad said that by posting bail, Kho has “voluntarily surrendered” himself to the authorities before a warrant of arrest had been issued by the court. - With Non Alquitran