Claudine’s lawyer finds Raymart’s statement ‘very funny’

MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Claudine Barretto refuted the statement Raymart Santiago issued to the entertainment media regarding the actress’ request for a Temporary Protection Order against her estranged husband.

In a statement sent to Philstar.com and other media outfits, Claudine’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said he finds Raymart’s claim that his client is capable of making up stories to be “very funny.”

Topacio added that their camp’s allegations are based on solid evidence.

Related article: Claudine: I just want to protect myself, children

“Mr. Raymart Santiago has said in a statement that my client, Ms. Claudine Barretto, is ‘capable of making up stories,” Topacio said in his statement.

“We find that statement to be very funny, coming from a man whose very foundations for his enticements for Ms. Barretto to enter into marriage with him are based on stories concocted by him, and bolstered by layer upon layer of more untruths, as we shall prove in a separate case. The deceptions by Mr. Santiago may even constitute criminal offenses.”

“The allegations of Ms. Barretto are based on solid evidence of all kinds and nature. We are looking forward to seeing Mr. Santiago in court, so that, once and for all, it may determine who is telling the truth,” it said.

Topacio noted that his statement does not comment on the merits of their pending case and “hence does not violate the confidentiality rule of Republic Act 9262.”

Related article: Randy Santiago defends brother Raymart against intrigues

On Tuesday, Raymart issued a statement denying Claudine’s allegations that she was abused. This was in response to Claudine’s Temporary Protection Order request filed against him on Monday, July 29 at the Marikina Regional Trial Court.

 â€œWalang katotohanan na inabuso ko ang mga anak ko. At bilang ama, hindi ako gagawa ng hakbang na ikapapahamak ng mga anak ko. Hindi ko siya pinagbuhatan ng kamay. Maraming mga nakakakilala sa akin na makakapagpatunay niyan,” Raymart said in his statement.

(There is no truth to the claim that I abused my children. As a father, I will not do things that will put my children in jeopardy. I did not hurt her [Claudine]. There are many people who know me that can prove that.)

He further said, “Marami rin ang makapagpapatunay na may kakayahan siyang gumawa ng kuwento. Again, I strongly deny her accusations. Lalabas din ang katotohanan. Sasagutin namin ang lahat sa korte sa tamang panahon."

(There are many who can prove her capability to make stories. Again, I strongly deny her accusations. The truth will eventually come out. We will answer everything in court at the proper time)