Solons hail DoJ panel decision indicting cosmetic surgeon Kho

Lawmakers yesterday hailed the decision of the Department of Justice (DoJ) indicting controversial cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho Jr. over his sex video with actress/model Katrina Halili.

In separate interviews, Cotabato Rep. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Rep. Cinchona Gonzales and Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza said it was proper that Kho be charged for allegedly violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act or Republic Act 9262.

“The DoJ found probable cause to indict Dr. Kho for violation of RA No. 9262, that is good to serve notice to the public that such act cannot be countenanced in a decent society. To find him eventually guilty is for the court to decide,” said Taliño-Mendoza of the case that stemmed from the complaint of Halili.

In a 24-page resolution, the investigating panel led by Senior State Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos said there is probable cause to charge Kho, adding the latter violated the trust and confidence given to him by Halili during their intimate moments.

While she respects the independence of the court that would try Kho, Gonzales said the possible conviction of the accused would send strong signal that nobody can get away with his actions that abuse children and women.

“If the accused could be found to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt, it will definitely send a strong message that no one can subject women and children to any form of violence (physical or sexual) and get away with it,” Gonzales said.

For her part, Maza said she is hoping the concerned court that will handle the case should expedite the proceedings.

“That’s a positive development. The DoJ should ensure that justice is served,” Maza said.

Taliño-Mendoza added that “the determination of his guilt is left for the court to decide. I would respect the independence of the court and not influence it by calling anybody.”

Based on the ruling, the prosecutors said Kho specifically violated section 5 (h) and (i) of RA 9262, which covers “engaging in purposeful, knowing or reckless conduct, personally or through another, that alarms or causes substantial emotional or psychological distress to the woman or her child” and “causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman or her child.”

However, the DoJ cleared popular cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo along with Eric Johnston Chua, Mark Herbert “Bistek” Rosario and Princess Velasco of the charges for insufficiency of evidence that they allegedly conspired with Kho to make public the sex video and post it on the Internet.