Actor Raymart Santiago has released an official legal statement addressing a fresh wave of public allegations and online narratives involving his estranged wife, Claudine Barretto, and recent interviews that have reignited long-running personal disputes.
The statement, issued by his legal counsel, comes after renewed media attention sparked by interviews and livestreams, including a conversation involving Barretto’s mother Inday Barretto with Ogie Diaz, and a separate broadcast that alluded to an alleged kidnapping incident concerning their child.
According to Santiago’s camp, the actor is fully aware of the interviews and the claims being circulated, but firmly denies all accusations—past and present—particularly any insinuation that he was involved in harm or criminal acts against his own child.
“There is no truth to any of the allegations made, both in the past and recently,” the statement emphasized, stressing that Santiago is “not in any way or form involved” in the alleged incident being discussed online.
Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Santiago’s camp underscored his decision to remain publicly restrained, citing a standing gag order issued by the court. Rather than engage in a media back-and-forth, the actor has chosen to place his trust in legal processes.
“While painful and difficult, our client actively refrains from further addressing, dignifying, or responding to any of these statements as deference to the Gag Order issued by the court,” the statement read, adding that Santiago “respects the court and has faith that justice and truth will prevail in time.”
The legal team also issued a pointed reminder about the power of platforms and public influence, urging restraint in the use of media to shape narratives around deeply private family matters. They appealed to the public to exercise discernment, especially when commenting on issues involving children and ongoing legal proceedings.
The statement was formally signed by Santiago’s lawyers following its mention on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, signaling a clear boundary between public discourse and matters best settled in court.
Below is the full official statement, released in its entirety:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF RAYMART SANTIAGO
“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.
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.
While painful and difficult, our client actively refrains from further addressing, dignifying, or responding to any of these statements as deference to the Gag Order issued by the court, which remains in full force and effect to this day. Our client respects the court and has faith that justice and truth will prevail in time.
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.
We also plead for the public to be more critical and discerning in their comments about the parties, especially when it involves private and sensitive family matters.”
ATTY. MA. CONCEPCION JIMENEZ-AQUINO
ATTY. KATRIN JESSICA DISTOR-GUINIGUNDO
Legal Counsels of Raymart Santiago