SHOCKING: HINDI KAPANI-PANIWALA, ITO ANG LIMANG MGA SIKAT NA TAO NA MABAIT SA HARAP NG CAMERA PERO MALUPIT SA KANILANG MGA KASAMBAHAY SA TAHANAN/TH

Housemaids, Nannies, or Domestic Helpers — Jobs That Deserve Respect as Human Beings

It’s no longer surprising to hear about cases of abuse involving domestic helpers, especially those working abroad. Even here in the Philippines, the news often features famous celebrities allegedly mistreating their household staff.

Watch this video until the end to find out about five well-known celebrities in the country who have been accused of maltreatment toward their domestic helpers. But before that, if you’re new to our channel, don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you’re updated on our future videos.

Maricel Soriano

In July 2011, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano was accused by two of her household helpers of allegedly physically assaulting them at her condominium unit in Makati City. The complainants were May Cachuela (22) and Camil Acedo. May claimed that Maricel got angry and kicked her because she wasn’t satisfied with how her clothes were prepared for an event.

It was said that the actress’s son even tried to stop his mother. Acedo further accused Maricel of using illegal drugs, possibly explaining her alleged aggressive behavior — frequently yelling and cursing at them, reportedly saying things like “I’ll kill you” and “You’ll die here.”

Maricel’s personal assistant, Inday Castillo, denied all accusations, claiming the helpers were fabricating stories. After nearly a year, both parties reached an agreement, issuing a joint statement that the incident stemmed only from a misunderstanding during an emotional moment.

Korina Sanchez

Korina Sanchez was also accused by her housemaid Bernardita Inocencio of not remitting SSS (Social Security System) contributions and failing to pay her salary. In addition, she was accused of physical abuse. Korina admitted she failed to pay Inocencio directly, but her friend Paul Aquino paid her ₱500 a day when Inocencio helped wrap gifts at Korina’s home in Bel-Air, Makati City.

In April 2002, the Department of Justice dismissed the criminal complaint against Korina. Prosecutors Robert Lao and Mark Halando stated in an eight-page resolution that Korina had fulfilled her obligations for the SSS remittance. The DOJ also concluded that Inocencio’s accusations lacked credible evidence, and her changing testimonies weakened her credibility. Thus, the case was dismissed for lack of merit.

Barbie Imperial

In December 2019, Barbie Imperial was accused by her personal assistant, Annalyn Revilla, of mistreatment. Revilla went to the show “Wanted sa Radyo” hosted by Raffy Tulfo, claiming she was being treated like a housemaid instead of a PA. According to her, from the moment she started working at Barbie’s house, she was tasked with chores like a domestic helper, often without even having breakfast first. She said she was overworked, under-rested, and paid only ₱7,000 per month — well below the minimum wage.

Despite the public outrage, Barbie refused to make a public apology but agreed to pay the back wages in a private discussion. Revilla accepted the settlement but hoped it would serve as a wake-up call for others.

Mariel Rodriguez

In 2011, Mariel Rodriguez trended on Twitter after calling her maid “evil” for failing to record an episode of “Guns and Roses,” which starred her husband Robin Padilla. Mariel suspected her helper was sabotaging her because she was too busy to watch the show live and had asked her maid to record it. When it wasn’t recorded, she became furious and called her “evil.”

Mariel later admitted she said it out of emotion and that the maid had been working with her for a long time. She argued that if she truly had a bad attitude, no helper would stay with her for that long.

Heart Evangelista

Heart Evangelista’s issue started when her driver was mentioned in a blind item by entertainment columnist Lolit Solis. The item, later confirmed to be about Heart, alleged that her driver — who had been with her for over a decade — fell ill and asked for help but was ignored, even though Heart actively donates to charity and foundations. Solis criticized Heart for neglecting someone so close to her.

Later, Lolit named Heart directly, saying she wanted to hear Heart’s side because she believed Heart to be a kind person. Heart clarified that she treated her driver, Antonio, well — even giving him a TechnoMarine watch and separation pay.

Here is Part 2 of our previous video about celebrities involved in issues of maltreating their household helpers.

In the first video, we discussed Maricel Soriano, Korina Sanchez, Barbie Imperial, Mariel Rodriguez, and Heart Evangelista — celebrities who have faced accusations of mistreating their maids or household staff. In Part 2, we’ll feature five more Filipino celebrities linked to similar controversies.

Janella Salvador

On July 7, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Janella Salvador’s former personal assistant Michelle Ponco sought help from the program Raffy Tulfo in Action. Michelle complained that Janella had not paid her ₱3,500 for five days of work before she was let go. Michelle claimed she started as a live-in housemaid with a monthly salary of ₱8,000 but was later assigned as Janella’s PA, accompanying her to tapings and shoots. She also said she wasn’t insured — she had no SSS or Pag-IBIG contributions.

Michelle said, “It’s hard being a PA, and this is how Ma’am treats me.” She also hinted that she had a major revelation to make about Janella but couldn’t speak about it due to a contract she signed. Raffy Tulfo’s team attempted to get Janella’s side through her handler, but the actress did not respond. The next day, Janella released a statement denying Michelle’s claims and accused her of lying. Although ₱3,500 was a small amount, Janella said she would rather give it to someone more deserving. She didn’t disclose why Michelle was fired.

Princess Revilla

Princess Revilla, sister of actor-politician Bong Revilla Jr., was involved in more severe allegations. Her household helpers accused her of physically assaulting them, with two separate complaints from different helpers. In 1997, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) filed a ₱1 million civil case against her on behalf of helpers Pracy Balolong and Rodelyn Lumactod. They claimed they were abused by Princess.

However, the case was seemingly dropped after the complainants disappeared and stopped pursuing it. In a second complaint on June 11, 2008, another maid, a 17-year-old, claimed she escaped from their home in Pasig City due to beatings by Princess. According to an interview with The Buzz, she said Princess slammed her head against the wall, pulled her hair, and broke two brooms on her body. She even claimed Princess threatened to beat her to death.

Princess denied the allegations, saying someone had coached the maid. She also accused the helper of previously stealing from them — something the maid allegedly admitted in a written letter, which Princess’s camp considered as evidence.

Claudine Barretto

Claudine Barretto was also involved in controversy when two of her helpers accused her of abuse. On July 24, 2013, Claudine accused the two helpers of stealing her jewelry and designer bags at her home in Loyola Grand Villas. In return, the helpers filed complaints against her for allegedly confiscating their personal belongings, including a cellphone and tablet.

One of the helpers, Desa Patilan, denied the theft accusations and claimed Claudine was lying. Desa was detained for almost a year before being released with the help of Claudine’s estranged sister, Gretchen Barretto. The Marikina City Prosecutor’s Office later dismissed all the criminal complaints filed by the maids, citing insufficient evidence and lack of probable cause.

Claudine had also filed qualified theft charges against the two in the Marikina Regional Trial Court. Additionally, in 2017, another maid went to Raffy Tulfo in Action to complain that she was constantly yelled at and underpaid. She was originally hired to take care of Claudine’s child, but claimed she was made to do much more, leading her to quit due to exhaustion.

Bea Alonzo

In March 2024, showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin, with Romel Chika, discussed Bea Alonzo’s former helpers allegedly complaining about their dismissal. According to Cristy, Bea’s luck seemed to be turning, with issues surfacing on social media. One complaint came from the girlfriend of Bea’s driver.

Although Bea reportedly paid SSS and PhilHealth contributions, the helpers weren’t allowed to leave the house to process their documents — a violation of the Domestic Workers Act (Kasambahay Law), particularly Article 4 Section 30, which mandates access to benefits.

It was also mentioned that if Bea’s car was ever involved in an accident, the cost of repairs was charged to her driver.

Sunshine Dizon and Timothy Tan

On March 18, 2019, a helper named Annabelle Agoo complained on Raffy Tulfo in Action. She had worked as a nanny for the children of Sunshine Dizon and Timothy Tan. According to her, she was suddenly dismissed and not even allowed to retrieve her belongings from their house.

Annabelle said she took an off-day on March 2, 2019, but failed to return the next day due to illness. She admitted her mistake, as she didn’t inform her employers and also missed several calls from Timothy. Timothy accused her of stealing an iPhone 5 that was lent to her for emergencies.

Annabelle insisted the phone was in her bag, which she hadn’t checked. Tulfo said Sunshine and Timothy had every right to be upset because she failed to do her job. Timothy later joined the show on-air and denied refusing to return her belongings. He also claimed Annabelle still owed them ₱3,500 from a loan. Annabelle, however, said it was only ₱2,000. Tulfo suggested they resolve the issue at the barangay level, which Timothy agreed to.