MANILA - Threatening to file a criminal case against Raymart Santiago, the camp of Claudine Barretto called out her estranged husband for the alleged "untruths" he used to "entice" her into marriage.
The 34-year-old actress' lawyer, Ferdinand Tapacio, bared their plans Tuesday night in a statement given to ABS-CBN News following Santiago's statement in connection with the temporary protection order (TPO) Barretto filed against him Monday.
In Topacio's statement, which he said is not covered by the gag order issued by the Marikina Regional Trial Court (RTC), the lawyer addressed Santiago's earlier reference to his wife's "capacity to make up stories."
Barretto's legal counsel said Santiago's statement was "funny," noting his alleged dishonesty with the actress in wooing her into a relationship.
He added these "layers of untruths" may form basis for a criminal case against the 40-year-old actor.
"Mr. Raymart Santiago has said in a statement that my client, Ms. Claudine Barretto, is 'capable of making up stories.'
"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," Topacio said.
The lawyer also expressed confidence in his client's case, saying they are supported by "solid evidence."
"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," he said.
Barretto sought Monday a TPO from the Marikina RTC against Santiago for her and their children. The actress, however, refused to divulge the reason for the legal step.
Santiago, for his part, readily denied Barretto's "accusations" that he physically hurt her and their children, aged 9 and 6.
The former couple got married in March 2006.
