Naghain ng reklamo ang GMA reporter na si Athena Imperial laban sa dati niyang kasamahan na si Nico Waje dahil sa umano’y kahalayan at gender-based sexual harassment.

Kinumpirma ni Atty. Aloi Renz P. Santos, sa pamamagitan ng APS Law, ang pagsasampa ng reklamo ni Imperial ngunit hindi na nila pag-uusapan ang mga karagdagang detalye.

“This case is now before the proper forum. We will therefore allow the process to take its course and will not discuss the merits beyond what is necessary to protect our client’s rights,” sabi ni Santos.

“Ms. Imperial-Rodriguez comes forward not only for herself, but also as an advocate for those who cannot yet speak for themselves. She believes that incidents of this nature can no longer be ignored, minimized, or tolerated in any workplace, profession, or industry,” dagdag niya.

Ayon pa kay Santos, isa pang tao ang nagsampa ng hiwalay na reklamo, ngunit tumanggi muna siyang magbigay ng karagdagang detalye bilang paggalang sa privacy nito at tamang proseso.

Sa kaniyang pahayag, sinabi ni Imperial na pinili niyang magsampa ng legal na aksyon matapos ang pagninilay at suporta ng mga malalapit sa kaniya.

“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,” sabi niya. “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.”

Dagdag pa niya, may tiwala siya sa sistemang legal at hinimok ang publiko na hayaang magpatuloy ang mga paglilitis nang walang espekulasyon.

“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,” ani Imperial. “I remain hopeful that, through lawful processes and honest conversations, safer spaces and greater accountability may continue to develop for everyone.”

Nakipag-ugnayan na ang GMA News Online kay Waje ngunit hindi pa siya nagbibigay ng kaniyang pahayag sa ngayon.-- Carby Rose Basina/Jamil Santos/FRJ GMA News