Marjorie Barretto breaks silence: ‘My silence was no longer giving me peace’

Actress and former public official Marjorie Barretto took to social media to address what she described as “deeply hurtful and untrue” remarks made by her mother, Inday Barretto, in a recent interview that surfaced just days after the first-month death anniversary of her brother, Mito Barretto.

In a lengthy and emotionally charged post, Marjorie expressed shock and sadness upon hearing that her mother had spoken negatively about her—allegedly portraying her as distant and embarrassed by her own parent—claims she strongly denied.

“Something is weighing so heavily on my heart right now,” Marjorie began. “A few days ago, on my brother’s first-month death anniversary, an interview of my mom was released. I woke up to frantic calls and messages saying that my mom had said very hurtful and untrue things about me.”

Marjorie recalled how, contrary to her mother’s statements, they were together throughout her brother’s illness and wake.

“We were together every day—from that one day in the hospital to my brother’s three-night wake and his inurnment. Was I not taking my mom home from the wake? Was I only dreaming that we were talking, hugging, and comforting each other?”

The actress questioned why her grieving family had to be “dragged into a new scandal” amid mourning. She lamented what she perceived as a long-running narrative meant to vilify her, saying, “Was this really necessary? Or am I once again damage control—the mission: destroy Marjorie, to make the youngest child look good and clean?”

A mother’s pain and a daughter’s response

Marjorie refuted her mother’s claims that she was ashamed to invite her to family events, explaining that it was actually her mother who had repeatedly asked not to be photographed with her for fear of upsetting her sisters, Gretchen and Claudine Barretto.

“Why would you say that, Mom? You and my siblings know very well that you’ve often asked me not to post photos of us together because Gretchen and Claudine might get upset.”

She also revealed a painful dynamic that she said had persisted for decades—that being the “peaceful” and “strong-willed” child had earned her disfavor.

“I am 51 years old, and for more than 20 of those years, I have been punished for being the child who never bothered my parents with problems, the one who kept it together even while drowning to survive. With my mom, if you are not a problematic child, you become the least favorite.”

“I can’t be quiet anymore”

Marjorie described how the cycle of favoritism and pain has affected her and her children, saying her silence has reached its limit.

“I can’t be quiet anymore. My silence was no longer giving me peace; it was causing me great pain.”

She ended her message with forgiveness and acceptance, addressing her mother directly:

“Mom, I want you to know that I love you. And I have learned to accept whatever kind of love you can give me. Instead of looking for affection and protection from you, I will pour all of my energy into being the best mom to my children.”

Marjorie’s heartfelt post quickly gained traction online, with many netizens expressing empathy for her candor and strength.

While the Barretto family has long been a subject of public fascination for their celebrated careers and complicated relationships, Marjorie’s latest statement underscores a universal truth—that even amid fame, grief and family wounds run deep, and sometimes, healing begins when silence ends.