Manila, Philippines – More than a week has passed since Ricardo Cepeda was arrested in Caloocan City last Saturday, Oktubre 7, 2023.
Nadamay ang kanyang pangalan sa 23 counts ng syndicated estafa, sa warrant of arrest na in-issue ni Judge Gemma Bucayo-Madrid ng Regional Trial Court, Branch 12 ng Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.
Presently, Ricardo is imprisoned at Camp Karingal, Quezon City.
In an interview, sinabi niyang inosente siya sa kasalanang ibinibintang laban sa kanya. He further stressed that he is nothing but an endorser of the product.
Unfortunately, siya ang nadiin sa kaso.
In defense of Ricardo, nagsalita na rin ang kanyang mga kaibigan na ipinagdiinang mabuting tao ang aktor at “wrongfully accused” lang ito.
After one week, nananatili si Ricardo sa Camp Karingal pero patuloy ang suporta ng kanyang mga kaibigan.
Ang pinaka-latest na dumalaw sa kanya ay sina Senator Robin Padilla, Nadia Montenegro, Jay Manalo, at Lorenzo Mara na kasama niya noon sa Regal when he was still active as an actor.
Ricardo’s ex wife Snooky Serna chose not to comment about her ex husband’s case.
Anyhow, in her Facebook post, nagsalita naman ang bunsong anak nila ni Snooky na si Sachi.
“Just posting now because there is a lot of misinformation going around. Have not spoken as there are many legal elements to consider, but the amount of problematic assumptions requires some clarity,” she said.
“But the bottom line is — my dad, Richard Cepeda Go, has been wrongfully accused and yet is being detained. The case is against a company that merely hired him as a brand ambassador.
“This role, as anyone in advertising would be aware of, is merely a title that is given to celebrity endorsers and influencers.
“This role has no connection to the inner workings of any business, most especially when it comes to handling the finances and partnerships of said company.
“While I can’t speak on too many details on this case, it’s cut and dry that my father has nothing to do with the accusations. The only reason he is being tied to it is because of a surface level brand deal.
“This suit is like assuming every influencer you see is personally responsible for the brands that they are promoting.
“I’m hoping this provides at least some much-needed clarity. It’s important that our justice system upholds the truth, and the truth is that my father is innocent.” Pete Ampoliquio Jr.
