Ricardo Cepeda, ibinahagi pinagdaanan hirap sa loob ng 11 na buwan sa kulungan: “Mahirap”

- Ricardo Cepeda, in an interview over “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” shared his ordeal during his 11-months-long incarceration

- The veteran actor spoke out about the challenging 11 months he spent in detention on syndicated estafa charges, maintaining his innocence and clarifying his role as merely a product endorser

- The actor and his partner, Marina Benipayo, stated that he was unaware of alleged “backdoor meetings” where investments were offered by the direct-selling company he endorsed, denying any involvement in fraudulent activities

- Despite the difficulty of incarceration, Cepeda attributed his strength and endurance to the strict discipline instilled by his father, likening the experience to a military training

Ricardo Cepeda, a veteran actor, recently opened publicly up about the profound challenges he faced during his 11-month detention on charges of syndicated estafa, sharing a perspective rooted in resilience and faith.

His candid account, shared during an interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” with his longtime partner Marina Benipayo, shed light on the unexpected turn his life took in late 2023.

Ricardo, whose real name is Richard Cesar Go, was arrested in October 2023 in Caloocan City on a warrant issued by a Regional Trial Court in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.

The charges stemmed from alleged syndicated estafa, with the actor maintaining his innocence from the outset.

He clarified that his involvement with the implicated direct-selling company was solely as a brand or product ambassador.

“I was working with this company, sa isang direct selling company, and ‘yung role ko in the company is a brand ambassador, a product ambassador. Which is I simply talk about my experiences using products that they distribute,” Ricardo explained, emphasizing that he merely gave testimonials and attended presentations, unaware of any clandestine financial dealings.

Marina corroborated Ricardo’s statement, revealing, “Nalaman namin na there were backdoor meetings, which he and the other speakers didn't know about.”

These alleged backdoor meetings involved offering investments, an aspect Cepeda insisted he had no knowledge of or participation in.

Despite his claims of being solely an endorser, he was among the few individuals arrested from a list of 12 accused, and he faced detention for nine months in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, followed by two months in Quezon City.

Reflecting on his time in detention, Ricardo admitted, “Honestly, it's hard. It's hard.” However, he credited his ability to endure the ordeal to the strict discipline instilled in him by his father, which he likened to a “Philippine Military Academy training.”

This upbringing, he said, made the experience feel somewhat like being back in “barracks training.”

Throughout his incarceration, Ricardo’s primary concern was the well-being of his family. “My biggest worry, Boy, was how this will affect them outside,” he confided.

His partner, Marina, proved to be an unwavering source of support, making frequent visits to the detention facility in Tuguegarao.

“If I’m having a hard time, lalo na siya, ‘di ba?” Marina expressed, highlighting her commitment, “I want to be there with him.”

Ricardo has publicly hailed Marina as his “hero,” acknowledging her pivotal role in keeping their family together and managing affairs while he was away.

“She really kept everything together that's what helped me also inside knowing that somebody is taking charge outside,” he affirmed.

Ricardo was eventually released on bail in September 2024, after spending nearly a year in custody.

Despite the immense hardship, the actor expressed a deep-seated belief that “Everything happens for a reason. There’s a plan.”

This sentiment reflects a profound sense of faith and a search for meaning amidst adversity. His detention and subsequent release have brought renewed public attention to the intricacies of legal battles involving public figures, especially when their roles in commercial ventures are questioned.

Ricardo Cepeda, whose real name is Richard Cesar Cepeda Go, is a Pinoy veteran actor who made a name for himself in Philippine TV and cinema. He is 57 years old, having been born on October 11, 1964 in Manila, Philippines. He is known for movies like “Una Kang Naging Akin” which was released in 2008, the 2009 movie Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit and the TV series, Ang Probinsyano. He is the ex-husband of actress Snooky Serna.

Last year, Ricardo was finally released from prison after almost a year. According to a report, the actor has been released on bail after being kept behind bars for 11 months. In a report by Philstar.com, Cepeda was arrested in October 2023 in Caloocan City on charges of syndicated estafa. Model-athlete Joshua de Sequera then came to the defense of Cepeda, his stepfather, and claimed that the actor was “wrongfully accused,” as per Inquirer.net.

Around the same time, the veteran actor received a touching message on social media from one of his daughters. Her daughter, Sachi Go, narrated how the past year was difficult for her and other members of their family. She then said that instead of falling “into a pit of bitterness and despair” at the notion that her father went to jail for a crime he didn’t commit, she opted to stay strong and positive like her dad. She also made it clear that her post is one of honor and relief.

Source: KAMI.com.gh