In a surprising turn of events, veteran actor Ricardo Cepeda has spoken out regarding the estafa case involving comedienne-actress Rufa Mae Quinto, and his revelations are sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. After weeks of silence and speculation, Cepeda has decided to “tell everything” he knows — and according to him, it’s time the “public heard the truth.”

“I Stayed Silent Long Enough”

In a brief yet bold statement shared with selected media outlets, Cepeda said:

“I stayed quiet out of respect. But when lies start spreading and people twist the truth, I owe it to everyone — especially the public — to finally speak up.”

While Ricardo did not immediately confirm his exact involvement in the ongoing legal issue, sources close to the actor claim he is prepared to testify or release information that may alter the public’s perception of the high-profile case.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy erupted when Rufa Mae Quinto’s name was dragged into an estafa case allegedly involving large sums of money and a string of failed financial promises to certain business entities. Though no direct charges have been officially filed against her as of this writing, murmurs in showbiz circles have grown louder over her possible involvement or knowledge of the alleged scheme.

Ricardo Cepeda, who had past professional associations with some parties involved in the financial arrangements, was rumored to have inside knowledge of the timeline, transactions, and key players behind the scenes.

“There Are People Hiding Behind Her Name”

In a teaser from an upcoming tell-all interview, Cepeda hints that Rufa Mae might not be the main culprit.

“People are using her name as a shield. There are bigger players in this game — and they’re letting her take the fall.”

This cryptic statement has only fueled more speculation, as netizens debate whether the bubbly actress has been manipulated, or if she was indeed complicit.

Rufa Mae’s Camp Remains Tight-Lipped

Quinto has yet to make a formal response to Cepeda’s looming revelations. Her legal team previously maintained her innocence and has warned the public against drawing conclusions based solely on online gossip.

Public Divided

Social media platforms have exploded with reactions. Some believe Cepeda’s words are a “desperate move” to remain relevant, while others view him as a whistleblower finally stepping up.

One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “If Ricardo Cepeda really knows the truth, then let him speak. We need transparency — no more celebrity cover-ups.”

What’s Next?

Ricardo Cepeda is expected to appear in a televised interview this week, where he promises to disclose “documents, messages, and names.” Whether these claims hold water or just deepen the mystery remains to be seen.

For now, the showbiz world waits with bated breath. One thing is clear: the story is far from over, and the truth — whatever it is — may soon come to light.

Ricardo Cepeda reacts to Rufa Mae Quinto’s estafa case
Ricardo invited to the Senate to shed light on investment scam using celebsActor Ricardo Cepeda regrets the series of celebrity involvements in estafa cases, such as Neri Naig and Rufa Mae Quinto, because he knows how they feel.

Ricardo was imprisoned for almost a year because he was implicated in a syndicated estafa case, even though he was just a brand ambassador of a sales company involved in the investment scam. What happened to Ricardo is no different from the ordeal Rufa Mae is currently going through, who has an arrest warrant for fourteen counts of estafa filed by a group against a beauty clinic of which she is the celebrity endorser.

I feel sad because it seems like it’s becoming a trend for those who have nothing to do with it to be implicated in the case. The complainants haven’t even been interviewed.

“Rufa Mae, the story I heard, she really doesn’t know anything,” Ricardo said in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on Tuesday night, December 3, 2024.

The syndicated estafa complaint against Ricardo is non-bailable, but the court allowed him to post bail for his temporary freedom because there was not enough evidence to prove his participation in the investment scam.SENATE BILL ON INVESTMENT SCAM
Ricardo mentioned to PEP that he was invited to the Senate by Senator Robin Padilla’s legal counsels on Tuesday afternoon because he said his testimony and experiences would be helpful for the Senate Bill that the actor-politician plans to advance.

The planned Senate Bill aims to provide protection to artistes who are victims of investment scams and have been sued for estafa because they are its brand ambassadors.

Ricardo said, “I came to the Senate earlier because Senator Robin Padilla was already discussing the passing of a bill to protect endorsers.

“Senator Robin was worried because artists are becoming victims so they got the details from me so they can have a basis for their discussion.”

Ricardo has some advice for his fellow artists to avoid getting involved in the same issue he went through and Rufa Mae is experiencing now.

He said: “First of all, you make sure your contract specifies the extent of your participation in the company activities, stating that you are only an endorser, only products.

“Your contract should be specific. Check with your lawyer or someone who can say clearly that this is for your protection.

“I don’t have a written contract. Just a handshake because I was helping this guy I know. It’s like helping.

“I’m the easiest to catch because I’m an artist and I wasn’t hiding.

“You don’t realize it, you’ll suddenly be taken. You’d be surprised that there’s a case like that and then you’re arrested, you’re already detained.

“You have to fight for your freedom from inside [the jail].

“Then, you’re just at the mercy of the court’s schedule. If it’s suddenly canceled, you’ll have to wait again, so I spent eleven months in jail.”

RICARDO: BE CAREFUL OF VIDEO GREETINGS
Ricardo also reminded his fellow artists to be careful of people who approach and ask for video greetings because they can allegedly be used to scam others.

“Artists should also be careful of video shoutouts. They will say, ‘Can I ask for a birthday greeting?’

“Someone once messaged me, on Messenger. He said, ‘Hi Ricardo, this is Direk___’

“I don’t know him. Never heard of him. Then his Facebook profile, he’s a registered nurse.

“He said, ‘This is Direk___. I’d like to request a birthday greeting, video greeting from you.’

“There’s even a script that tells me, ‘Hope you have more projects soon.’

“I said, ‘Why would I say that, eh, I don’t know you?’

“The danger of that is he can introduce himself to people as a director but he’s not. And he will show people my video greeting, eh, that’s it, his contacts, investors.

“So, people can believe him.”

Ricardo also cautioned his industry colleagues against photo opportunity requests from self-proclaimed fans.

Ricardo advised that as much as possible, artists should avoid going around people who are posing for photos with them but don’t know them.

Scammers can pretend to be close to the artist in the photo and are hanging out with them so they can lure innocent investors who will be victimized and scammed out of money.