Former GMA Network reporter Athena Imperial has filed an Acts of Lasciviousness complaint against former colleague Nico Waje, marking a significant escalation in allegations of workplace misconduct within the Philippine media industry.
Complaint Details
According to legal documents, the complaint was formally lodged on May 13, 2026. The alleged incident is said to have occurred while both individuals were employed as television news reporters for GMA-7. Imperial, who was also crowned Miss Earth Philippines-Water in 2011, has taken a firm stand against what she describes as unacceptable behavior in the workplace.
Additional Allegations
Reports indicate that Imperial is not the only one coming forward. Another former reporter has reportedly filed a similar complaint against Waje, who left GMA Network last year. The cumulative nature of these accusations suggests a pattern of behavior that has prompted multiple victims to speak out.
In her affidavit, Imperial stated: "She believes that incidents of this nature can no longer be ignored, minimized, or tolerated in any workplace, profession, or industry." This statement underscores a growing movement within Philippine media to address and prevent sexual misconduct.
Response Pending
As of this writing, Nico Waje has not issued any public response regarding the complaint. The lack of comment leaves many questions unanswered, and the media community awaits his side of the story.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in the media industry regarding workplace safety and accountability. Advocates hope that this complaint will encourage more victims to report similar incidents and lead to systemic changes in how such cases are handled.
