DOJ approves filing of charges vs Baron Geisler

(Updated 1:45 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice on Tuesday recommended the filing of charges against actor Baron Geisler before a Makati court after finding sufficient basis for the acts of lasciviousness complaint filed against him. This, as the Justice department junked the actor’s counter-charges of unjust vexation against complainant Patrizah Maree Martinez; and perjury against her mother, actress Yayo Aguila, and friend Steffanie Barrios. Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno approved State Prosecutor Amanda Felipe’s 14-page report recommending that Geisler be charged with one count of acts of lasciviousness before the Makati City Regional Trial Court. “Premises considered, it is respectfully recommended that Baron Frederick Von Geisler be charged with one count of acts of lasciviousness, penalized under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code as amended," the investigation report said. Zuno said Geisler could expect charges to be filed against him before the Makati RTC by next week. Zuno also said that a warrant of arrest against the actor is “expected" to be issued this week. The DOJ has also recommended a P12,000 bail for Geisler. In her complaint-affidavit, Patrizha Maree accused Geisler of pinching her cheeks and grabbing her breasts against her will while partying with friends at the Fiamma Bar in Makati City last April 25. She also claimed that Geisler had asked her to have sex with him. Patrizhas' refusal was allegedly reciprocated by invectives coming from a then incensed Geisler. Geisler has repeatedly denied the accusations hurled against him. He said he only tried to push away Patrizah because the latter was allegedly whispering “too close" to Geisler’s ears. The Martinez family, through Patrizha’s complaint, is seeking P5 million in damages from the young actor. In trashing Geisler’s counter-charges, Zuno also said there was “no probable cause" for the embattled actor to hurl charges against the Martinez ’s and Barrios, saying Geisler’s camp only resorted to such legal action for defense sake. “It is also respectfully recommending that the complaints against Patrizha… Barrios, and Ma. Rosario (Yayo) be dismissed for lack of probable cause," the investigation report stated. In his perjury charge, Geisler claimed Yayo had lied in her sworn statement before the Justice department, saying it was impossible for the victim’s mother to recount details of the bar incident given that she was not in the area at that time. The actor also dismissed as mere interpretations Yayo’s claim that he had tried to disrespect her in a reality television show wherein the two starred. In the program, television cameras were able to capture a then drunk actor in action while trying to make what seemed like advances on Yayo. Geisler had been previously embroiled in several bar scuffles. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV and Carlo Lorenzo