MANILA, Philippines — Actress Sarah Lahbati on Monday filed perjury and grave coercion complaints against GMA Network Inc. executive Annette Gozon-Abrogar.
The grave coercion complaint was filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, while the perjury case was filed before the Makati Regional Trial Court.
Lahbati’s move is in response to the libel charge leveled against her by the network executive.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Lahbati said she was living a peaceful life in Geneva, Switzerland but was still being hounded by controversies.
“I think it’s time na to defend myself, to clear my name after all ng nangyari, after ng lahat ng lumabas na news on the Internet, sa TV. Sabi ko parang it’s time to clear my name and defend myself. Nagsalita ako before, ang nangyari sinampahan ako ng kaso,” the Fil-Swiss actress said.
Lahbati said she finally decided to put up a fight as advised by her parents.
“During that time, ang daming nangyari sabay-sabay. My parents, hindi sila agree na ganun na lang ang pagtrato sa akin sa lahat ng ginawa ko. I’m a hard worker pero ganun ang nakuha ko. Ngayon ko lang nagawa ang dapat ko gawin kasi nga ang daming nangyari before, magulo,” she explained.
Lahbati returned to the Philippines last week after a taking a break from showbiz for six months.
The 19-year-old actress posted bail for the libel case at the Makati City Regional Trial Court, hours after she arrived late Thursday.
The libel case was filed against Labhati by Gozon-Abrogar, in connection with a series of posts made by the actress on micro-blogging site Twitter about the alleged mishandling of her career.
Lahbati was accompanied by her lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham, on Monday.
Gozon-Abrogar, meanwhile, said she is ready to face anything that Lahbati will file.
“I haven't received anything from her lawyers but if it’s true, then I welcome it since she is now fighting in the proper venue. Now the public will know what the truth is,” Gonzon-Abrogar said in a statement.
Pregnancy rumors
Meanwhile, the actress shrugged off questions about her supposed pregnancy.
The actress said her main purpose for returning to the Philippines is to “just fix things” in connection with her legal battle against Gozon-Abrogar.
“I’d rather not comment on things that are not related sa case. Let’s not get distracted sa mga issues na walang kinalaman sa case. Hindi ko alam bakit nadi-distract ang tao and laging iyon ng iyon ang question,” she said.
Early last month, it was rumored that the reason actor Richard Gutierrez flew to Switzerland was to welcome a new addition to their family.
Gutierrez has been in a relationship with Lahbati.
Without confirming nor denying the matter, the 19-year-old actress just said: “Bahala po kayo mag-isip kung ano ang gusto niyo. Basta ako, I’m here to fix what I have to fix and to finish things. Ayaw ko po ng problema so I’m hoping na matapos ito.” - from a report by Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News
