Actress and singer Rita Daniela filed a complaint for acts of lasciviousness against actor-comedian Archie Alemania on Wednesday, following alleged harassment and molestation.
Accompanied by her lawyer and brother, Daniela went to the prosecutor's office in Bacoor, Cavite, to formally file her complaint.
In the complaint-affidavit she submitted, Daniela indicated that she and Alemania attended a party on September 9, during which he allegedly made inappropriate remarks towards her.
According to Daniela's legal counsel, Atty. Marie Abraham-Garduque, the actress was immediately offended by Alemania's inappropriate remarks during the party and felt uncomfortable.
However, she chose not to confront him at the time, as she believed his comments were unintentional and possibly a result of alcohol intoxication.
As they were leaving the party, Alemania allegedly offered to give Daniela a ride home. She accepted, believing he had sobered up.
"While we are already along Cavitex on our way to my house, Respondent suddenly put his right hand on my shoulder and caressed my neck and shoulder. I already felt uncomfortable during that time but I was confused that he was just comforting me as an elder brother since I told him about what happened to my mother in our conversation inside his vehicle," the affidavit read.
According to Daniela's attorney, she had already said, "Kuya, huwag," because she regarded Alemania as an older brother figure.
Upon arriving Daniela's house, Alemania forcibly kissed her in the lips. The actress said she struggled against him before she was able to push him away.
Daniela attempted to get out of the vehicle but pulled her back after grabbing her bag and she said he hugged her from behind and touched her inappropriately in parts of her body.
Alemania reportedly sent a text to Daniela to apologize for what happened, stating that he was drunk at the time.
Daniela and Alemania are co-stars in the series "Widows' War," which stars Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana.
