MANILA – Gretchen Barretto has already given up on helping her youngest sister Claudine.
This is what the socialite-actress told one of her Instagram followers after the netizen commented that she and her other sister, Marjorie, should help Claudine, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle.
Responding to the netizen’s comment, Gretchen said they “have done everything possible to help her.”
“She has been attacking us and our children for the help we wish to give her. I have been publicly scorned and accused of a liar for helping her. Why don’t we all just pray that she will go seek help. I guess the time has come when everyone just gave up,” she said.
Gretchen added: “She has caused too much hurt that we just have to withdraw from her and her hurtful ways. It’s called self-preservation.”
The Barretto family feud erupted back in April after comments on the image-sharing service Instagram, supposedly made by Gretchen, saying Claudine is not happy about Marjorie’s daughter Julia's rise so stardom.
In response to reports on the alleged exchange on Instagram, the Barretto matriarch, Inday, released a statement denying Claudine's supposed plans to "block" Julia's career.
In the same statement, Inday disowned Gretchen "in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love...Claudine."
The issue divided the Barretto siblings, with Gia siding with her mother and youngest sister, while brother Joaquin sided with Gretchen, saying Claudine's "condition" should be addressed.
Asked whether she is saddened that she is going through her legal battles without her sisters by her side, Claudine, in a separate interview, said: “No comment.”
Santiagos remain mum
Meanwhile, the brothers of Claudine’s husband, Raymart Santiago, refused to comment on their brother’s marital life.
Riley Santiago, Raymart’s older brother, said their family has yet to agree on coming out with a statement regarding the matter.
In late July, Claudine filed a temporary protection order (TPO) against Raymart, citing "physical, verbal, psychological, and even economical" abuse.
While Raymart repeatedly denied the allegations, the TPO was granted in early August, with Barretto filing a petition to make it permanent.
Both Claudine and Raymart are now seeking the sole custody of their two children, with the actress filing a case against Raymart for his alleged violation of the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
Under a gag order issued by the Marikina Regional Trial Court, neither camp is allowed to divulge information as to the court proceedings, but according to Claudine’s legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on Thursday, "Umaandar ang mga kaso."
