Just hours after ABS-CBN actress-performer Vina Morales broke her silence about her former partner, businessman Cedric Lee “forcibly detaining” their seven-year-old daughter Ceana, C
Through an exclusive phone call with PEP on Tuesday (June 7, 2016) afternoon, the businessman explained his side of the story concerning the allegations that he “forcibly detained” Ceana for eight days while Vina was on an out-of-the-country trip.
According to Cedric, as much as he wanted to keep silent and settle the issue privately with Vina and their lawyers, he already felt the need to defend himself from all the allegations thrown at him.
“The press releases of Vina is not substantiated by court documents but mere allegations. The court documents can’t be released publicly due to the sensitivity of the case and to protect the exposure of our child to public scrutiny. It is also not in my nature to say negative things about the mother of my child to protect my child’s reputation. I, however, find her statements damaging.”
With regard to Vina’s statement that he “forcibly detained” their daughter and violating some of his visitation rights, Cedric clarified that he did neither “forced” Ceana to spend the week-long vacation with him nor violate any visitation rights.
“I will state some facts: 1) This custody case/visitation case has been ongoing for 3 years now. I have tried my best to keep this out of public out of respect for the mother of my child and my daughter. 2) There was a signed agreement between us regarding visitation, holidays and spending a few nights with me during summer holidays. This was agreed in 2013. 3) There has been violations the court has recorded regarding times when I wasn’t able to see my daughter. Prior to me spending time with Ceana, the court has noted that Vina owes me 10 days. 4) During the 8 days I was with Ceana, my lawyers were constantly in touch with her lawyer and family. They knew when I was going to take my daughter home. 5) Ceana was not traumatized while with me and spent time with her siblings and family. We have photos and videos during this time. 6) Ceana
was asked to go to court on the 8th day. Ceana is 7 and this is all new to her.”
Cedric also reacted on Vina’s accusation that he has been “bullying” the actress-performer and her entire family for the past years. The businessman affirmed that he has not, in any way, bullied Vina and her family.
“My daughter is not aware of the court case we have. This may have traumatized her as she did not know what was going on. I have never bullied Vina and have gone through the right avenue. I believe my child has a right to have both and her father and mother in her life. I did not say anything in media when I was not able to see my daughter for a year. This has gotten out of hand and I sure hope that we can both iron out differences in the near future.”
Here is the official press statement released by Cedric’s legal council lead by Atty. Ricardo Moreño which was sent to PEP:
“This pertains to the statements made by Ms. Sharon Magdayao aka Vina Morales accusing my client (Mr. Cedric Lee) of “detaining” Ceana “forcibly without her permission” and the alleged violation of the court-approved visitation rights every Sunday.
While my client intends to answer the said baseless and malicious allegations of Ms. Magdayao, he will do so in the proper forum, i.e., the court where the case is pending, so as to not violate the sub judice rule. The sub judice rule restricts comments and disclosures pertaining to the judicial proceedings in order to avoid prejudging the issue, influencing the court, or obstructing the administration of justice. A violation of this rule may render one liable for indirect contempt under Sec. 3(d), Rule 71 of the Rules of Court.
It is worth stressing that he case for custody filed by my client is highly sensitive owing to the nature of the said petition. Hence, he is constrained to prioritize more the well-being of Ceana than his reputation by not glorifying the statements of Ms. Magdayao. He believes that he will be properly vindicated in the courts of law.”
Based on the article, Cedric and his camp are set to release an official press statement on Wednesday (June 8, 2016). However, as of writing, Vina has yet to release an official reply on Cedric’s statement.
(Photo Source: Screengrab from ABS-CBN News / Instagram – @vina_morales)