Veteran actor Ricardo Cepeda has publicly addressed his nearly year-long detention over an alleged syndicated estafa case filed against him in 2023.

In an interview aired Friday on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Cepeda spoke about the experience alongside his partner, former beauty queen and model Marina Benipayo.

Cepeda explained he was hired as a brand ambassador for a direct-selling company, where he gave product testimonials, attended presentations, and appeared on stage. He maintained that he was unaware of any alleged investment activities linked to the company.

“My role was simple — I was endorsing the products I used,” he explained. “I would give testimonials, attend presentations, and share my experience on stage.”

Unbeknownst to him and several other public speakers, there were clandestine dealings happening behind closed doors.

“We later found out there were backdoor meetings that we were never aware of,” Marina added. These meetings, as they learned, allegedly involved offering investments — activities Ricardo maintained he had no involvement in.

Despite his limited involvement, Cepeda was charged and detained for 11 months — nine months in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, and two in Quezon City.

He credited his resilience to his upbringing, particularly discipline instilled by his father, who exposed him to training inspired by the Philippine Military Academy. “It felt like beast barracks training all over again,” he said.

Throughout the ordeal, Cepeda said his main concern was the impact on his family.

“My biggest worry, Boy, was how this would affect them outside,” he shared.

Cepeda was released in September 2024. He and Benipayo said they relied on their faith throughout the process.

“We believed there was a reason behind everything,” he said. “There’s a plan.”

Now back in the public eye, Cepeda is focused on moving forward.