Young actor Baron Geisler filed graft charges against three officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier today, December 5, in the Office of the Ombudsman. Baron claims these DOJ executives are responsible for recommending the filing of acts of lasciviousness charges against him to the Regional Trial Court.
QTV Balitanghali reporter Alex Tinsay related that Baron and his lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan went to the Office of the Ombudsman earlier today to personally file the complaints.
The respondents were identified as Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño, Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Miguel Gudio, and State Prosecutor Amanda Felipe.
Zuño and Felipe, heads of the investigating body, approved the 14-page recommendation, which states that Baron should be charged with acts of lasciviousness before the Makati Regional Trial Court.
In addition, the DOJ had dismissed the three counter-charges filed by Baron against Patricia Martinez, her celebrity mom Ma. Rosario "Yayo" Aguila, and family friend Steffanie Barrios.
Atty. Alentajan argued that the three prosecutors "abused" their authority and violated the provisions under the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act of 1992.
Baron's lawyer added that the DOJ could not recommend the filing of charges to a lower court.
This case stemmed from the Fiamma Bar incident last April, where Baron was accused of sexually harassing the daughter of Yayo Aguila and William Martinez.
Atty. Alentajan also said that the DOJ official made a mistake in the decision to recommend the filing of acts of lasciviousness charges against his client because there was no element of force, threat, or intimidation.
Baron's lawyer also stressed that the charges were not possible since Fiamma Bar was reportedly packed when the alleged incident about Baron touching the face and breasts of Patricia happened.
Baron's camp said that their counter-charges, unjust vexation and perjury, against Patricia and her mother Yayo Aguila should not be dismissed.
Alentajan explained that the DOJ officials do not have the authority to handle the case of Baron because it is only reserved to provincial or city courts. Baron requested in his complaint a preventive-suspension order on the three DOJ officials.
Baron said that the battle is not yet over. He also pleaded to the public not to prejudge him until the issue has been resolved.