Il Bectas Files a Case Against Rufa Gutierrez and Herbert Bautista

It seems that actress Rufa Gutierrez is now publicly declaring her relationship with Herbert Bautista, after years of keeping it under wraps. The two first worked together in 2020 on the comeback project of KathNiel, The House Arrest of Us. In the series, they played a married couple. It was during this time that rumors about them began to spread, especially after being spotted together several times in private places. However, neither of them confirmed the real score between them.

Meanwhile, many fans were thrilled and touched by Rufa Gutierrez’s short but sweet birthday greeting for her boyfriend, Herbert Bautista. The actress and TV host posted the greeting on her TikTok account last Tuesday, May 13, complete with photos of them together on different occasions. Rufa compiled their pictures—hers and the former Quezon City mayor’s—into a video. On May 12, Herbert celebrated his 57th birthday. This was the first time Rufa publicly shared their sweet moments on social media.

Included in the video were their date at a restaurant and footage of them watching an NBA game together. Rufa wrote in the caption:
“One day late, but the most unforgettable moments don’t make it to social media. Happy birthday, Herbert Constantine Maclang Bautista.”
Her TikTok comment section was flooded with greetings for Herbert, and most netizens expressed how “kilig” they felt over Rufa flaunting Herbert on social media.

However, while many were happy about Rufa’s gesture, the reaction from her ex-husband, Ilmas Bectas, was quite the opposite. Ilmas quickly posted what seemed to be a cryptic message about a relationship that hasn’t officially ended but already has a replacement. That post has since been deleted. Despite this, the message went viral, and according to netizens, Ilmas still harbors a deep resentment toward Rufa and hasn’t moved on from their separation, even though it’s been years.

According to a source, Ilmas has now filed a case against Rufa, reportedly related to their marriage, which has not yet been legally annulled or voided. It seems that Ilmas found an opportunity to take legal action after Rufa’s post about Herbert went viral.

Sources say that Ilmas had repeatedly begged Rufa to reconcile with him and promised to make up for his past mistakes when they were still together. However, Rufa reportedly rejected him multiple times and drove him away. Now, it seems he’s determined to become an obstacle to Rufa and Herbert’s love, unwilling to let them find happiness with each other.