MANILA, Philippines – The entertainment industry is once again embroiled in a highly charged family feud as the mother of veteran actress Claudine Barretto has publicly issued a chilling warning to actress Jodi Sta. Maria regarding her current relationship with actor Raymart Santiago. The cautionary message follows a recent, explosive interview detailing the alleged brutal abuse and financial exploitation Claudine suffered during her marriage to Santiago.
The stunning revelations came during a sit-down interview on the YouTube channel “OG Diaz Inspires,” where the matriarch, affectionately known as Mommy Inday Barretto, detailed a series of horrific allegations against Santiago, transforming a personal feud into a widespread public scandal.
Allegations of Abuse and Financial Ruin
During the televised discussion, Mommy Inday did not mince words, expressing her deep-seated anger and exposing what she described as the truly “evil character” of Raymart Santiago and how he allegedly treated her daughter “like an animal.” The list of abuses recounted by the distraught mother is extensive and shocking, including:
Physical Abuse: Allegations that Santiago dragged Claudine through the mud and inflicted physical harm.
Controlling Behavior: Claims of physically silencing or “muzzling” Claudine’s mouth during altercations.
Sexual Abuse: A serious and unverified allegation of sexual abuse against the actress.
Financial Exploitation: Perhaps the most alarming claim for Sta. Maria, Mommy Inday alleges that Santiago seized and claimed virtually all of Claudine’s assets and wealth accumulated throughout her career.
The mother lamented that due to this alleged financial plunder, Claudine Barretto has been forced into a state of destitution, effectively having to “start from scratch” in her life and career.
Mommy Inday went on to detail a history of alleged misconduct, including: labeling Claudine a “battered wife,” stealing the actress’s money, and even “making a spectacle” of Claudine in front of their own children. Furthermore, she claimed that Santiago prevented the sale of a property belonging to Claudine, which was intended to fund their children’s needs.
Adding a morbid layer to the narrative, Mommy Inday revealed that before her late husband passed away, he held Santiago accountable for a financial debt and, more profoundly, for his “sins,” demanding that Santiago settle both his financial and moral debts before he himself could find peace.
The Public Warning to Jodi Sta. Maria
The interview took a sharp turn when the conversation shifted to the much-publicized relationship between Jodi Sta. Maria and Raymart Santiago. A visibly furious Mommy Inday offered a stark public warning to Sta. Maria, advising her to be fully aware of Santiago’s alleged true nature.
When asked for her thoughts on the new couple, Mommy Inday was dismissive of the romantic involvement but ominous in her forecast:
“When Jodi came along, Claudine had no concern for Jodi Sta. Maria. That’s her lookout. I’m not gonna say good luck to her. I’m just gonna pray for her, but proceed at your own risk. If you don’t know yet, that’s your problem. God will judge. That’s all I will say.”
The mother expressed explicit concern that Sta. Maria could suffer the same fate as her daughter, especially regarding financial matters, if the actress is not extremely careful. Citing Claudine’s devastating experience of having all her hard-earned wealth allegedly taken by Santiago, Mommy Inday specifically pointed to Sta. Maria’s current real estate endeavors.
Mommy Inday warned: Sta. Maria is reportedly building a new house, and if she is not alert, all her financial assets could end up with Raymart.
The Relationship Context and Legal Vow
Jodi Sta. Maria and Raymart Santiago’s relationship first became public knowledge in September 2020 after a flurry of sweet photos of the pair surfaced on social media, reportedly taken at a private resort in Alabang. Months later, Santiago confirmed the relationship in a subsequent interview, solidifying their status as one of the industry’s newest high-profile couples.
Despite the public nature of the new relationship, Mommy Inday affirmed that she remains committed to seeking justice for her daughter. In a powerful pledge during the interview, she promised to fight relentlessly for Claudine and vowed not to rest until the actress achieves the justice she deserves for the years of alleged abuse and exploitation.
The explosive interview has ignited a firestorm across social media, polarizing fans and forcing the public to weigh the gravity of the allegations against the seemingly happy current relationship. It raises crucial questions about accountability, the protection of women in relationships, and the moral responsibilities of public figures. The industry now waits to see how Jodi Sta. Maria, a well-respected figure, will respond to these serious, public warnings about her partner’s past.
