Last December 14, the Anti-Violation Against Women, or Republic Act No. 9262, case that actress Katrina Halili filed against former flame Hayden Kho, Jr. was dismissed by the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 of presiding judge Rodolfo Bonifacio. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)
The case concerned a sex video involving Katrina and Hayden, allegedly taped by Hayden without Katrina's knowledge.
According to Judge Bonifacio, there was a lack of evidence to prove Hayden's involvement in the uploading of the sex video on the Internet.
Hayden's lawyer, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, stated in a taped interview with Showbiz Central: "Klaro naman na hindi si Dr. Kho ang nag-upload at nag-distribute ng video.
"So, after inspection, ocular inspection ng hotel room, nakita ng judge na imposible na hindi nakita ni Katrina yung video camera."
On the other hand, Katrina's lawyer, Atty. Raymund Palad, has already filed a "notice for appeal" last Thursday, December 16, at the Pasig Regional Trial Court 159 to have the case restudied.
But Atty. Kapunan said, "I regret to point out to the lawyers of Katrina that this decided case is at the Supreme Court.
"Certainly, the dismissal of the case is an acquittal. Hindi puwedeng mag-appeal.
"Walang finding ng guilty. Acquittal yon."
KATRINA FIRES BACK. Visibly affected by the outcome of the case, an emotional Katrina bravely faced Showbiz Central host John"Sweet" Lapus yesterday, December 19.
What was her reaction to the dismissal of the case and Hayden's public apology to her?
"Patawarin? Sa totoong... Oo, humingi siya ng tawad. Pero saan? Sa TV!
"Naloloka na ba ako? Papatawarin ko nang ganoon na lang? Wala lang?
"Tapos, aaminin ko na alam ko yung video?
"Feeling ko, para siyang demonyo!
Like others here, opinyon ko dapat talaga yung nag-upload ng mga videos ang kasuhan.
Kasi kung yung line of reasoning ng kampo ni Katrina ang basis, sabi nila kung hindi na-video ni Hayden eh di walang video, eh di ang sagot diyan ng kampo ni Hayden kung hindi si Katrina pumayag ng ilang ulit wala rin siya sa mga video.
Nag-ocular inspection at doon nakita ng judge na imposibleng hindi makita at malaman ni Katrina ang pag-video. Sana habulin nila talaga ang nag-upload.
Si Katrina may trabaho pa rin, si Hayden babawiin pa lang medical license at buti na lang may mayamang girlfriend kaya may negosyo. Magdusa kayong dalawa dahil kayo ang gumawa ng kalokohan.
She had the full backing of the state and even a senator who milked this issue for all its worth. DI nila na-prove na di niya alam yung taping. Ganun ka-simple. Kung makikita mo nga naman yung ibang videos eh magdududa ka rin with how she is feigning ignorance now. Tsaka WALANG law against videotaping someone when the act was done. In short whether she knew it or not, walang crime. The only crime they can sue him for is VAWC, eh kaso di nga naman yung taping ang naka-cause ng stress kundi yung uploading, so as a result, she lost.
Dapat mag move on na siya and put this behind her. Mas mahihirapan siya if she keeps on dwelling on it. It was a sad, learning experience, but that's life.