Prelim investigation of 'Hayden cam' case moved to July

MANILA, Philippines – Only Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., with their lawyers, went to the Department of Justice on Friday for the preliminary investigation of the complaint filed by the actress against the cosmetic surgeon. Due to the absence of other respondents and witnesses, Senior State Prosecutor Emily Fe Delos Santos set a clarificatory hearing on July 14 where everyone is required to be present. Halili had filed a case against Kho for violation of the Anti-abuse of Women and Children Act in connection with the uploading of their sex video on the Internet and distribution in DVD stalls. An anxious-looking Halili arrived at 2 p.m. while Kho entered the hall while she was being sworn in. Erik Johnston Chua, Dr. Herbert "Bistek" Rosario, and Princess Marie Velasco - whom Halili had included in the case - failed to submit counter affidavits and only sent their lawyers. Also absent were witnesses Omar Sortijo, Halili's road manager, and Jo-anne Maglipon, editor-in-chief of Yes! magazine. Dr. Vicki Belo, who is also accused of spreading the controversial videos, was not present during the proceedings. She arrived with her lawyer after Halili and Kho had left the DOJ. Public spectacle Kho's lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, requested for a simultaneous filing of counter affidavits by respondents Chua, Rosario, and Velasco. She stressed that Kho had submitted his counter affidavit and was ready to swear to it that afternoon to avoid having to come back to DOJ and become a public spectacle. Kapunan also requested for a gag order to keep both camps from releasing public statements or speaking in media conferences about the ongoing investigation. "There is so much public uproar," she said. "That is because of the statements they continue to give the media." De los Santos denied the request, saying that the members of the investigating panel were known for their integrity and would not be influenced by the things they hear or see on television. Raymund Palad, Halili's lawyer, said the only issues that he and his client have been discussing with the media lately were the other cases that Halili filed against Kho. In addition to the sex video charges, Halili also sued Kho for medical malpractice. She also filed a complaint against Belo Medical Group for allowing Kho to perform liposuction on her. 'Trabaho na lang' After the investigation, Kho and Kapunan left the DOJ without saying a word to the media. On the other hand, Halili only answered questions about herself and her career. "Set aside na ako sa kaso dahil nasa korte na ‘yun [I’m setting aside the case because it’s already in the court]," she said. "Trabaho na lang [I will only think about work]." She said that she was overwhelmed by the support she had been getting and that she was excited to start working on her new drama soap to show her gratitude to her supporters. Asked if she still wanted to continue her Flawless endorsement, Halili just let out a sarcastic laugh. Halili, who was observed staring at Kho during the investigation, said that she had nothing to say to her ex-lover. Asked if she could be falling in love with him again, she answered: "Ayokong ma-video for life [I don’t want to be on video for the rest of my life.]" - Candice Dominique Montenegro, GMANews.TV