Rita Daniela's lawyer on arrest warrant vs. Archie Alemania: 'We hope for the immediate apprehension of the accused'

Rita Daniela's legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, released a statement after a Bacoor court issued an arrest warrant against actor Archie Alemania in connection to the acts of lasciviousness case filed against him by Daniela.

According to Abraham-Garduque's statement, which aired on "24 Oras" Wednesday, their camp is hoping for Alemania's "immediate apprehension."

"We hope for the immediate apprehension of the accused so the court can already acquire jurisdiction over his person and for the hearings to be started as soon as possible," she said.

"In the end Rita just [wants] to achieve the justice that she deserves," she added.

In an order dated March 18, the Bacoor City Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2 issued an arrest warrant against Alemania after it found "probable cause to hold the accused for trial."

“Considering that the accused is at large, let a warrant of arrest be issued against him," the order read.

Alemania may post bail in the amount of P36,000.

"24 Oras" and GMA News Online are trying to reach out to Alemania's camp for comment.

In March, Bacoor prosecutors indicted Alemania after they found prima facie case with reasonable certainty of conviction. They also recommended that Alemania be penalized under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code.

In October 2024, Daniela filed an acts of lasciviousness complaint against Alemania, alleging that he kissed and touched her without consent and repeatedly made inappropriate remarks against her after a Thanksgiving party the month before. During the party, Alemania already made obscene remarks towards Daniela.

Last December, Alemania submitted a counter-affidavit at the Bacoor Hall of Justice in response to the complaint filed by Daniela. Alemania's camp declined to give a comment, but the prosecutor said the counter-affidavit denies the allegations Daniela made.

—CDC/MGP, GMA Integrated News