Actress Claudine Barretto recently shared that she, too, was a victim of sexual harassment, as she voiced her support for fellow actress Rita Daniela, who has filed charges of acts of lasciviousness against actor Archie Alemania. In an Instagram post, Barretto posted screenshots from a video call with Daniela, showing her unwavering support.
Barretto praised Daniela as one of her biggest supporters and directed a message to the alleged offender, urging him to take accountability. “I went out of my way to be there for Rita. Why am I in the middle of a crossfire? Because I believe and will protect her. To her perpetrator, ako harapin mo (face me instead)! Apologize before it’s too late, boy,” she wrote.
She went on to plead with the public to refrain from victim-blaming and urged the accused to take responsibility, adding, “If you broke someone, please have the heart to genuinely apologize. It won’t make you less of a man to admit.”
Barretto explained that her advocacy stems from her own experience as a survivor and as a mother. “The damage has been done. I respect you doing this for your family. It’s easier to own up and apologize. You have family. I am willing to listen…I have daughters. I will always protect anyone going through this, for I, myself, was a victim years ago!” she concluded.
On October 30, Daniela formally filed a complaint with the Bacoor City Prosecutor’s Office, accusing Alemania of unwanted advances, including non-consensual kissing and touching, after a work gathering in September. Barretto has been vocal in her support of other victims of abuse as well, including young actor Sandro Muhlach and singer Gerald Santos.