RAYMART Santiago spoke up against his estranged wife Claudine Barretto after she alluded to his involvement in the alleged kidnapping of their daughter Sabina.
Barretto earlier took to social media to accuse a certain Marisol Acap of attempting to kidnap her children, making an indirect remark to Santiago for allegedly being “in connivance” with the latter, who supposedly served as the actress’ personal assistant.
Santiago’s lawyers then responded to this through a statement sent to “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Monday, Jan. 26.
“Our client, Rozelle Raymond Martin ‘Raymart’ Santiago, is aware of the interview conducted by his mother-in-law Inday Barretto with Ogie Diaz, the other interviews his estranged wife, Ms. Claudine Barretto, made in the past accusing our client of abuses and theft, as well as the recent livestream where she made statements in relation to the alleged kidnapping by Marisol Acap of their common child, Sabina Santiago, giving the impression that our client is somehow involved in this incident,” the statement read.
“There is no truth to any of the allegations made, both in the past and recently, more so our client is not in any way or form involved in the kidnapping incident of his child with Ms. Barretto, if there is indeed any,” it noted.
Santiago’s lawyers further said that while it has been difficult for the actor to refrain from addressing matters with Barretto publicly, he has been doing so in deference to the gag order amid their pending annulment case.
“We would also like to remind Ms. Barretto to refrain from weaponizing her influence, the media, and other platforms in discrediting the name and reputation of anyone especially our client,” it continued.
Santiago’s camp also reminded the public to be “more critical and discerning in their comments” as the issue involves sensitive family matters.
‘Safe and sound,’ after all
Meanwhile, Barretto, also on Monday, shared a screenshot of her video call with her children Sabrina, Quiah and Noah, with the caption “Safe and sound.”
The actress shared the post a day after her terse social media post alluding to her PA and Santiago as kidnappers of her children.
Barretto has yet to respond to Santiago’s statement as of this writing. (Anne Pasajol © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
