GMA Reporter Athena Imperial Files Acts of Lasciviousness & Sexual Harassment Complaints Against Former Colleague Nico Waje
GMA reporter Athena Imperial has filed complaints for acts of lasciviousness and gender-based sexual harassment against her former colleague Nico Waje.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Imperial submitted the complaints at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The case reportedly stemmed from an alleged incident that happened during the 2025 GMA Gala. Along with Imperial, another former network employee also filed a separate complaint against Waje.
Imperial was accompanied by her legal counsel, Atty. Aloi Renz Santos of APS Law, during the filing of the complaints. In an official statement, her lawyer confirmed that the matter is now under the proper legal process and that they would allow authorities to handle the case fairly and properly.
According to the statement released by her legal team, Imperial decided to come forward not only for herself but also to encourage others who may still be afraid to speak about similar experiences in the workplace.
Imperial shared that filing the complaints was not an easy decision for her. She explained that it took time, reflection, and support from people close to her before she gathered the courage to pursue legal action.
The GMA reported also expressed hope that proper legal procedures and honest conversations could help create safer spaces and stronger accountability in workplaces and different industries.
The television reporter also asked the public to avoid speculation while the investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing. She said she trusts the legal process and the institutions handling the matter.
The complaints filed against Waje include acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code and gender-based sexual harassment under Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.
Athena Imperial is known as a GMA News reporter and was also named Miss Earth Philippines-Water 2011. Meanwhile, Nico Waje is a former GMA News reporter who became widely known online in 2025 because of his typhoon coverage.
As of this writing, Waje and his camp have not yet released an official statement regarding the complaints filed against him.
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