A Taguig court has delivered a landmark verdict today, sentencing businessman Cedric Lee and three others to 40 years in prison for the illegal detention of TV host and actor Vhong Navarro in 2014.

The Taguig Regional Trial Court (RTC)-Branch 153, in a 94-page decision, found Lee, Deniece Cornejo, Ferdinand Guerrero, and Simeon Raz guilty beyond reasonable doubt of serious illegal detention for ransom under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.

The court’s ruling reflects a meticulous examination of the evidence, stating, “It is all too apparent that the accused planned and premeditated to restrain Vhong Navarro to extort money from him.

Proof of their agreement is inferred from their conduct before, during, and after the commission of the crime.” It further emphasized that their conduct disclosed “a common understanding between them” regarding the commission of the crime.

Moreover, the court canceled the bail bond of the accused and ordered them to pay Navarro P100,000 in civil indemnity, P100,000 as moral damages, and P100,000 as exemplary damages. These monetary awards will accrue legal interest at a rate of 6% per annum until fully paid.

Navarro’s legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, confirmed that Raz and Cornejo were immediately committed by the court, stating, “They asked for consideration. Ang sabi ng court, my ruling stands.”

However, Lee and Guerrero, who were not present at the promulgation, were ordered arrested and will be committed as soon as they are found.

In a heartfelt response to the verdict, Navarro expressed his gratitude, saying, “Maraming maraming salamat, Lord, dahil lagi kang nakagabay sa akin. Sa dami ng pinagdaanan ko sa buhay, nandyan ka. Ikaw ang naging sentro ko, at napakatotoo mo” (Thank you very much, Lord, for always guiding me. In the many trials of my life, you have been there. You have been my center, and you are very true).

Navarro thanked the court for delivering justice, his legal team, ABS-CBN executives, and his fans for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal.

He also acknowledged the patience and support of his colleagues at ‘It’s Showtime,’ stating, “Minsan lutang ako. Rollercoaster ang pinagdaanan ko. Ang hirap i-explain pero minsan sabaw ako dito” (Sometimes I’m lost. I’ve been through a rollercoaster. It’s hard to explain, but sometimes I’m absent-minded here).

The verdict marks a significant milestone in Navarro’s quest for justice, while serving as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law.

The Bureau of Immigration has confirmed active hold departure orders and warrants of arrest against Lee and Guerrero, signaling a decisive step towards accountability in this high-profile case.