Claudine: I just want to protect myself, children

MANILA, Philippines - Claudine Barretto said she has no intention of destroying the reputation of Raymart Santiago with her filing of a Temporary Protection Order against her estranged husband.

“Wala akong intensyon na sirain ang pagkatao ng asawa ko. I just want to protect my children and myself,” she said in a taped interview with GMA 7’s news program “24 Oras” aired Monday, July 29.

Claudine added: “Kaya nga humantong sa ganito, kaya iiwan ko na lang sa korte ito lahat.”

On Monday, Claudine, with her lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, filed a TPO against Raymart citing the Republic Act No. 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act.

In an interview ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol,” Topacio said his client was abused.

“He has committed a lot of those—physical, verbal, psychological, and even economical abuse. With this, she has reached a point of no return in her marriage with mister Santiago,” Topacio said.

Related article: Randy Santiago defends brother Raymart against intrigues

It can be remembered that Claudine posted a picture of her bruised face on the photo sharing service Instagram last month which she promptly deleted. Her bruises, Topacio said, are not self-inflicted.

“We have witnesses and other proof to show that these are not self-inflicted wounds,” he said.

According to the report, the Marikina Regional Trial Court will hear Claudine’s request for a TPO tomorrow, July 31.