A veteran entertainment journalist has publicly admitted to being utterly stunned by a series of explosive and deeply distressing claims made by the mother of actress Claudine Barretto, igniting a firestorm over the star’s tumultuous separation from actor Raymart Santiago. The mother, Mommy Inday Barretto, broke years of silence to level unverified but harrowing accusations against her former son-in-law, prompting a public debate about manipulation, financial exploitation, and the devastating consequences of a protracted legal battle that now threatens the actress’s health and financial stability.

The most disturbing of Mommy Inday’s claims center on alleged acts of physical and emotional control during the couple’s marriage. She recounted a terrifying incident where Claudine frantically called her for help, screaming and crying, only to become eerily calm when her parents arrived at the residence. In a stunning accusation, Mommy Inday offered her personal opinion that Raymart had allegedly administered an injection to her daughter to force her into a state of quiet submission. In another highly traumatic recollection, she claimed that she witnessed Raymart manhandling and chasing Claudine in the street—a scene she described as the actress being cornered “like an animal,” with bystanders reportedly shouting for the commotion to stop. The mother’s distress was compounded by the claim that when she arrived with police, Raymart allegedly fled the scene. Moreover, she claimed that the couple’s son, Santino, was a witness to these traumatic events and is still tormented by the memory of his mother being physically restrained.

This emotional and physical narrative is coupled with a long-standing financial accusation that dates back over a decade. Mommy Inday revived the claim that Raymart was an opportunistic figure who allegedly married Claudine, the highest-paid primetime queen at the height of her career, solely for her substantial wealth. She pointed to a major financial scandal years ago, where millions of pesos—reportedly as high as 118 million and 90 million in separate accounts—were allegedly withdrawn from their conjugal funds, leaving Claudine with only a negligible amount. The mother’s accusation is stark: “You married my daughter because she was Claudine Barretto. You dropped her when she stopped being a Claudine Barretto.” This claim paints a picture of marriage rooted in financial gain and subsequent abandonment when the actress’s earning power diminished.

However, the response from veteran columnist Cristy Fermin and her panel was one of profound bewilderment and strong counter-argument, highlighting the deep divide in the showbiz community. While acknowledging the fierce, protective love of any mother, Fermin expressed intense skepticism about the claims of physical abuse and manhandling, especially given the decades-long, respected public image of the Santiago family, which includes prominent figures known for their quiet dignity. Fermin openly stated that her mind “contradicts” the image of Raymart as a man capable of such brutal and public actions, particularly in front of others. Furthermore, Fermin strongly opposed Mommy Inday’s use of inflammatory language, specifically the accusation that Raymart was aligned with evil, arguing that no matter the level of anger, such extreme language should never be used. This dual reaction—sympathy for the mother’s pain, yet deep suspicion of the specific claims—underscores the complexity and highly sensitive nature of the marital breakdown.

The most urgent element of the current feud centers on a single piece of paper: a memorandum of agreement (MOA) concerning a multi-million-peso property in Laguna. Fermin confirmed that the property was purchased entirely with Claudine’s own funds during her career peak. Although the couple is separated, their marriage has not been legally dissolved, meaning the property is still considered conjugal. During mediation, Raymart had reportedly agreed to sign a document relinquishing his claim, clearing the way for Claudine to finalize the sale to a buyer. But at the critical moment, during a meeting with the mediator, Raymart received a phone call—which the mediator allegedly confirmed was from his current romantic partner, “Jodi”—and immediately declared, “I am not signing.”

This single refusal has created a catastrophic financial and legal nightmare for Claudine. Because Raymart refuses to sign, the property’s title cannot be transferred to the new buyer. The buyer is now threatening a lawsuit demanding the return of the full payment, along with significant damages, interest, and attorney fees. With no immediate funds to cover this immense liability, the emotional toll on Claudine has been devastating, leading to overwhelming anxiety, severe depression, and repeated hospital visits. The actress is reportedly pleading with her estranged husband, and even their children have personally begged their father to sign the document that would end the financial crisis and save their mother from collapse.

The panel concluded the discussion with a heartfelt plea for the sake of the children. They questioned what profound reason Raymart could have for withholding a single signature that only serves to save his children’s mother from total ruin, arguing that this act of simple compassion should transcend any lingering bitterness or financial motive. The prolonged conflict, they argued, has become a public spectacle of oversharing and unnecessary cruelty, urging both parties to prioritize humility and communication. Ultimately, the future of the actress and her children now tragically rests on whether one man, despite all the venom and bitter claims, can be moved by his children’s pleas to sign a piece of paper that only serves to alleviate a devastating human crisis.