MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed a complaint against actresses Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos and Samantha Panlilio for alleged illegal detention, physical harm, maltreatment and illegal arrest, citing insufficient evidence.
The complaint, filed by Ramos’ former driver Bonifacio “Totoy” Baro, also named Chester Ian Galicia and Felipe Brabante III.
Baro filed his complaint through an affidavit dated Jan. 28, accusing the respondents of slight illegal detention, slight physical harm, maltreatment and illegal arrest.
In a resolution dated Sept. 1, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the complaint for “insufficiency of evidence.”
Dee’s camp welcomes dismissal
Lawyer Maggie Abraham-Garduque, who represents Dee, welcomed the prosecutor’s resolution.
She said the defense had maintained from the start that the complaint lacked merit.
“In the end, justice and truth prevail,” Abraham-Garduque said.
VACC plans legal action
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), which supports Baro, criticized the dismissal and said it would pursue available legal remedies.
The group described the resolution as “unexpected and highly questionable” while acknowledging the authority of prosecutors to decide complaints.
“While the VACC respects the prosecutorial and legal process, the organization cannot help but express serious concern over the resolution,” the group said.
The VACC also claimed that the case contained evidence and grounds that the prosecutor’s office did not adequately consider.
The group said the resolution left important questions unanswered and announced plans to support Baro in filing a motion for reconsideration.
The complaint stemmed from allegations Baro raised against Dee, Ramos, Panlilio, Galicia and Brabante.
