Rita Daniela files act of lasciviousness complaint vs. Archie Alemania

Rita Daniela on Wednesday filed an act of lasciviousness complaint against Archie Alemania before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Bacoor City.

In her complaint-affidavit, Daniela alleged that Alemania kissed and touched her without consent and repeatedly made inappropriate remarks against her.

“That being a public figure, a contractual artist with reputation to protect, it is very difficult for me to file the instant case but the trauma I was and am experiencing brought about by the incident gave me courage to face the consequences and file the instant case against the respondent,” Daniela said.

Daniela said the incident happened after a Thanksgiving party in September. During the party, Archie already made obscene remarks towards her.

"So doon pa lang na-offend na si Rita. She felt uncomfortable already but she did not confront Archie during that time kasi ang dating sa kanya he did not mean it. Lasing lang. Nagbibiro lang," Rita's lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, said in Nico Waje's report for "24 Oras" on Wednesday.

Daniela said that while waiting for her Grab after the party, Alemania while onboard a white van stopped in front of her and offered her a ride home. 

According to Daniela, she initially refused his offer but was persuaded by the respondent as she thought he was already sober.

On their way, she said Alemania put his hand on her shoulder and caressed her neck and shoulder. She then removed his hand and told him to stop.

"Nagsabi na siya noon na, 'Kuya huwag, kuya kita,' kasi nga Rita is treating Archie as elder brother," Garduque said.

After arriving at her home and as she was about to get out of the vehicle, Daniela said Alemania forcefully held her hand and asked her for a kiss. She told him to go home and said that she knew his wife.

Daniela said he was not deterred and kissed her without her consent. She said she struggled against him several times before she was able to push him away.

Daniela attempted to get out of the vehicle but Alemania grabbed her bag and used it to pull her towards him. She said he hugged her from behind and touched her.

She said she started to cry and used all of her strength to get out of his grip and get out of the car.

"She was forced and he was kissed by Archie that time and then there was also touching that happened. 'Yung mga maseselan na bahagi ng katawan niya like breast has also been touched that time," Garduque said.

The complaint included a screenshot of Daniela’s message to Alemania after the incident, where she told him that she felt disrespected and violated.

For his part, Alemania supposedly apologized and said that he was drunk.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Alemania but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

In a statement addressing the issue, Sparkle GMA Artist Center said it is "committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone."

"We have listened to both sides of the story over the past weeks. We believe this matter should be addressed in the proper forum, and we encourage both parties to engage in dialogue to resolve this issue fairly," they said.

"We remain dedicated to supporting our artists and ensuring their well-being. We trust that this process will lead to a constructive resolution."