Nico Waje, pormal nang naghain ng counter-affidavit laban sa akusasyon ni Athena Imperial
- Nico Waje has officially submitted his counter-affidavit at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office to fight the workplace harassment complaints
- Accompanied by his spouse and attorney, Nico expressed complete readiness to confront all allegations filed against him by former colleague Athena Imperial
- Athena previously initiated the legal complaint to advocate for safer professional spaces and zero tolerance for workplace misconduct
- Both media figures have requested the public to allow the lawful mechanisms to resolve the dispute without premature judgements
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Seeking absolute vindication and clean clearance from a major professional storm, former news reporter Nico Waje formally submitted his comprehensive counter-affidavit at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office on Friday morning.
Source: Facebook
This high-profile legal move serves as Nico's direct, official response to the severe workplace harassment and misconduct complaints initiated last month by his former media colleague and veteran broadcaster Athena Imperial.
The deep legal showdown marks a dramatic turning point for the two well-known media figures, thrusting their former workplace dynamic directly under the unforgiving microscope of public accountability and judicial scrutiny.
Stepping into the government building with a calm yet resolute posture, Nico was joined on the ground by his wife, Leinel, and his trusted legal adviser, Atty. Leo Lalusis, to secure the official filing.
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While the intense digital space eagerly anticipated specific details regarding the defense's core arguments, the legal camp deliberately kept the precise text of the counter-affidavit confidential to safeguard the ongoing evaluation.
The filing of his counter-affidavit was reported by GMA Network through the media outlet’s entertainment section, which outlined the strict parameters of the current preliminary investigation.
Speaking directly to members of the press immediately following the session, Atty. Leo Lalusis clarified that the ongoing controversy has officially been handed over to public authorities for a definitive resolution.
He emphasized Nico's unwavering confidence and proactive willingness to clear his professional standing before the state prosecutors.
"Ang importante dito is ‘yung kliyente namin, si Sir Nico, is very ready to answer any allegation against him," the defense attorney stated confidently to the reporters gathered outside.
"And in fact, from the beginning naman, siya ‘yung naglakas ng loob para harapin ‘tong mga kaso kasi alam naman niya sa sarili niya na wala naman siyang kasalanan. ‘Yun naman ‘yung importanteng bagay dito na hinarap niya ‘yung kaso," Atty. Lalusis added.
This strategic legal submission arrives exactly a month after Athena, a former beauty queen and senior news correspondent, broke her silence to formally launch complaints alleging acts of lasciviousness and gender-based harassment.
For Athena, taking the intense step toward a criminal complaint required immense personal bravery, deep reflection, and an unyielding commitment to institutional change.
“This was not an easy decision. It took time, reflection, and support from the people closest to me before I found the courage to come forward,” Athena shared in her public statement.
“I am speaking not only for myself, but also for those who, for different reasons, are still unable or afraid to speak for themselves. I believe that incidents of this nature can no longer be ignored, minimized, or tolerated in any workplace or industry,” she added.
As the preliminary investigation shifts toward official resolution, both sides are urging eager observers and digital communities to exercise restraint.
Athena specifically requested the general public to refrain from unverified speculation or harmful online gossip while the formal proceedings run their course.
“Out of respect for the ongoing proceedings, I will refrain from discussing further details and ask the public to allow the proper authorities to do their work without speculation or prejudgment,” Athena noted, adding that she remains hopeful that these painful, honest conversations will foster safer professional environments and greater organizational accountability across the media industry.
With the counter-affidavit officially in the hands of the Quezon City prosecutor, the public now awaits the crucial judicial determination that will dictate the next chapter of this profound legal battle.
Ultimately, this gripping case serves as an enduring reminder that true justice belongs within the clean boundaries of due process, where truth is meticulously separated from the noise of public perception.
Acclaimed Filipina media professional Athena Mae Imperial-Rodriguez first achieved widespread recognition as Miss Philippines Earth 2011 and Miss Earth-Water 2011. Shifting her focus from pageantry, she established a highly regarded track record in news broadcasting and media research, presently contributing her skills as a senior field correspondent for a prominent television network.
It can be recalled that Athena, a broadcast journalist and former titleholder, officially visited the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office to initiate legal action against her former coworker, Nico. Her attorney, Aloi Renz, highlighted that the reporter's decision to speak out serves as a voice for other employees facing similar systemic silence in professional environments. The former pageant winner shared that pursuing a judicial resolution was an arduous choice reached only after extensive contemplation and encouragement from loved ones. According to representatives from the legal team, another individual has reportedly submitted an independent grievance targeting the identical respondent.
There have been many instances where celebrities have filed cases against certain individuals. In the case of actor Andrew Muhlach, he disclosed that law enforcement authorities successfully identified and located the suspects linked to a recent break-in involving his private automobile. Acting on the explicit recommendations of criminal investigators, the public figure has pursued formal litigation against the perpetrators involved in the incident. He confirmed that his crucial travel identification booklets were ultimately recovered after being discovered abandoned inside a local drainage system. Although his passports were secured, multiple premium belongings, including his travel suitcases and a luxury designer handbag, remain missing.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
