(CNN Philippines) Metro Manila — The Court of Appeals has ordered the filing of rape and acts of lasciviousness charges against TV host and actor Vhong Navarro related to the 2014 incident involving model-stylist Deniece Cornejo.

CA’s 14th Division reversed the decision of the Department of Justice in 2018 and 2020 to dismiss the complaints filed by Cornejo in 2014 accusing Navarro of attempted rape.

DOJ previously ruled that the rape complaints lacked probable cause. In junking the first complaint, DOJ prosecutors said there were “major inconsistencies” in her complaint-affidavits. In the second one, DOJ denied it for “appearing that the sexual encounter between Cornejo and Navarro was consensual.”

CA, in a decision released to the media on July 31, said it was erroneous for the DOJ to deny Cornejo’s petition for review on the ground that her statements in the complaint-affidavits are inconsistent and incredible. It said the preliminary investigation conducted by DOJ is not the venue to determine who is guilty or innocent.

It stressed that issues of credibility should be adjudged during the trial proper.

“Ultimately, it falls upon the trial court to determine who between Navarro and Cornejo speaks the truth. Cornejo decries attempted rape on the night of January 22, 2014 while Navarro denies any wrongdoing on his part,” it said.