After nearly 13 years of silence, actor Raymart Santiago has finally broken his silence following the explosive allegations made by Estrella “Inday” Barretto, mother of his estranged wife, Claudine Barretto.

In an emotional public statement released on Tuesday, Santiago said he had wrestled with the decision to speak out but felt compelled to do so “for [his] own peace of mind” and for the sake of his and Claudine’s children, who he said are now old enough to be affected by public scrutiny.

“For almost thirteen years, I chose to remain silent and let due process take its course,” Santiago wrote in Filipino.

“It has been difficult because the name my parents worked hard to protect and pass on to me has been tarnished by lies and false accusations.”

Santiago’s remarks came days after Inday Barretto’s interview with entertainment host Ogie Diaz, where she accused the actor of years of alleged abuse, manipulation, and financial control over her daughter. The interview sparked the trending hashtag #JusticeForClaudine, with many netizens rallying behind the embattled actress.

But in his statement, Santiago denied all allegations and lamented how the controversy has once again put their children at the center of public judgment.

“It’s painful, especially since our children are now old enough to understand and are being affected by what they see and hear in the media,” he said. “It’s disheartening to hear others speak as if they were part of our lives and knew everything that happened.”

Santiago described the accusations made by Inday Barretto as “slander and disgusting,” saying it was painful to hear such words from someone he once treated like family.

“What’s shocking is that the person who should know her own child best—the same person who once repeatedly apologized to me in the past—is now the one spreading lies,” he said.

“Our relationship may not have been perfect, but I can say with a clear conscience that I have never done, nor could I ever do, the things they accuse me of.”

The actor emphasized that despite the public nature of their lives, he continues to choose restraint out of respect for their families.

“Even so, I know that keeping silent is what’s best for our respective families and our children,” he said.

“I understand that we are public figures and are expected to accept all kinds of comments and criticisms. But this time, I hope it’s not too much to ask everyone to refrain from saying things that could hurt or harm anyone involved—especially our children and their future.”

Santiago ended his statement on a calm but firm note, expressing faith that the truth will eventually surface.

“In the end, I will still choose respect and let time be the one to judge and reveal the truth.”

A continuing rift

Santiago’s statement marks the latest turn in the long-standing Barretto-Santiago saga—a relationship once celebrated by fans but later marked by public disputes and legal battles.

Both sides have invoked the welfare of Claudine and Raymart’s children as the reason behind their respective silences. However, the issue has once again resurfaced, fueled by social media and emotional testimonies that have reignited public debate.

As of press time, Claudine Barretto has yet to release an official statement in response to her mother’s accusations or to Santiago’s recent remarks.

Legal experts have reminded both parties that a Family Court gag order remains in effect, restricting public discussions about their ongoing case.

For now, Santiago’s plea for understanding adds another layer to a story that continues to blur the lines between private pain and public perception—one that, as he said, only time may truly resolve.