Raymart Santiago's Legal Team Denies Ex-Wife Claudine Barretto's Kidnapping Allegations
The legal counsel representing actor Raymart Santiago has formally issued a statement categorically denying all allegations raised by his former wife, actress Claudine Barretto. Barretto had earlier claimed in a public broadcast that their children were "kidnapped," sparking widespread concern and media attention across the Philippines.
Refutation of Conspiracy and Abuse Claims
In the detailed statement, Santiago's camp explicitly refuted claims that he was involved in any alleged conspiracy with Barretto's personal assistant to take their children. The lawyer emphasized that there is no truth to these accusations, which have caused significant distress to all parties involved. Additionally, the statement addressed and denied further accusations made by Barretto's mother, Inday Barretto, who had publicly linked Santiago to alleged theft and physical abuse. The legal team described these claims as baseless and unfounded, urging the public to await the facts as they unfold through proper legal channels.
Background of the Controversial Allegations
The issue first surfaced after Claudine Barretto broke down emotionally during a Facebook Live broadcast on Saturday, January 24, 2026. In that broadcast, she tearfully stated that her children had been taken by her personal assistant, though she did not name Raymart Santiago directly. However, she issued strong statements suggesting harassment and threats, and announced her intention to pursue legal action under the Violence Against Women and Their Children Law. This broadcast quickly went viral, leading to intense speculation and discussion on social media platforms.
Subsequent Developments and Public Reactions
In a surprising turn of events, just a day later, Barretto posted an Instagram video showing her happily video-chatting with her children. The video was captioned "safe and sound," which appeared to contradict her earlier claims of kidnapping. This post has added a layer of complexity to the situation, leaving many followers and netizens confused about the true nature of the incident. The legal counsel for Santiago has pointed to this video as evidence that the children are safe, further supporting their denial of any wrongdoing.
The case has highlighted the intense public scrutiny faced by Filipino celebrities, with many fans expressing support for both parties while others call for privacy and restraint. Legal experts note that such high-profile disputes often involve complex emotional and legal dimensions, and they advise against jumping to conclusions until all facts are presented in court. As the situation continues to develop, both Santiago and Barretto's camps are expected to provide further statements, potentially leading to legal proceedings that could set precedents in celebrity custody battles in the Philippines.
