It was a phone call no mother ever forgets. In the middle of an ordinary day, Inday Barretto received a desperate plea from her daughter, actress Claudine Barretto. Moments later, she and her husband were on their way to Claudine’s home — unaware that what awaited them would, years later, resurface as one of the most disturbing revelations in showbiz history.
More than a decade after Claudine’s marriage to actor Raymart Santiago ended, Inday Barretto has come forward with a shocking claim: that her daughter endured not only physical abuse, but also a deeply traumatic incident during their marriage.

In an emotional interview with showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, Inday broke her silence about what she described as one of seven incidents of abuse her daughter allegedly suffered while living with Santiago. Her voice trembling, she recalled a day when Claudine had called them for help — and what followed left her in disbelief.
“That was the time he hurt her,” Inday said, her tone breaking as she relived the memory. “He hurt my daughter in front of his injured masseur. Santino saw it. The wound is opening now.”
According to Inday, her daughter appeared “unnaturally calm” when she finally came out to meet them that day, as if in shock. “She wasn’t herself,” Inday added. “I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want her father to know, because his heart wouldn’t take it.”
A Mother’s Secret
Inday said she kept the truth hidden for years, not because of shame, but because she feared what might happen if she confronted the situation then.
“I kept quiet for years,” she admitted. “Not because I was embarrassed, but because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself.”
Her statements have reignited public attention on the once-celebrated relationship between Claudine and Raymart, whose marriage was annulled in 2013, twelve years ago. The couple, once hailed as one of showbiz’s most admired pairs, have long been estranged — but this is the first time such a grave allegation has been made public by a family member.
Silence and Shock
As of this writing, Raymart Santiago has not issued any statement in response to the accusations. Philstar.com and other media outlets have attempted to reach his representatives for comment but have yet to receive a reply.
Meanwhile, Claudine herself has remained silent on social media following her mother’s revelations. Sources close to the actress say she has chosen not to speak publicly about the claims for now, focusing instead on caring for her children and maintaining her professional commitments.
People who have followed the long-running Barretto family saga are once again divided. Some have expressed sympathy and outrage, praising Inday’s courage for breaking her silence, while others have urged caution and due process, reminding the public that no formal case has been filed regarding the latest allegation.
A History of Pain
The story of Claudine and Raymart’s marriage has been marred by controversy since their separation. In past years, both parties have publicly accused each other of various forms of mistreatment. Their disputes once dominated entertainment headlines, often spilling over into televised interviews and social media exchanges.
This latest revelation, however, marks a far darker turn — one that brings back old wounds and unanswered questions. If Inday’s account is accurate, it suggests a pattern of silent suffering that Claudine endured privately, long before the public saw the cracks in their relationship.
Emotional Fallout
Observers note that Inday’s statement carried an emotional weight that could not be dismissed as mere drama. The mother’s pain, raw and unfiltered, appeared to stem from years of repressed anger and helplessness.
“It’s not about revenge anymore,” one source close to the Barretto family said. “It’s about truth — about a mother finally saying what she’s kept inside for too long.”
Inday’s words, though brief, have sparked a wave of reactions across social media. Fans of the actress have flooded online platforms with messages of support, using hashtags calling for justice and healing. Others, however, have urged restraint, emphasizing the need for evidence and the importance of protecting all parties involved.
The Aftermath
Whether or not the matter ever reaches a courtroom remains uncertain. What is clear is that the Barretto family, long known for their highly publicized feuds and reconciliations, has once again been thrust into the spotlight — this time, under circumstances far more serious than showbiz rivalry or family disputes.
For now, the nation watches and waits.
Will Claudine choose to confirm her mother’s account? Will Raymart respond to defend his name?
Whatever happens next, one thing is undeniable: Inday Barretto’s revelation has reopened a painful chapter — not just for her family, but for an industry still struggling to reconcile fame with the quiet realities that unfold behind closed doors.