Showbiz Central became a family affair yesterday, July 12, with the presence of talent manager Annabelle Rama and her twins, Richard and Raymond Gutierrez. The three talked about their reaction and disappointment over the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to junk the libel suit filed by Richard versus PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) due to "lack of probable cause."

Raymond, who is one of the hosts of the showbiz talk show, defended his brother in his statement. Richard was interviewed live by co-host Pia Guanio about his reaction. (Click here to read related story.)

Annabelle Rama was the guest in the "Intriga Crossfire" segment where the questions were all related to the dismissal of Richard's libel suit.

At the start of the interview, Annabelle admitted that the Bisaya in her comes out whenever she feels that her children or her talents are being affected or hurt.

"Ang babata pa nila para ma-involve sa ganitong klaseng intriga," she explained. "As a mother, nandito ako na dumedepensa sa kanila... Mahirap talaga maging nanay din. Biruin mo, anim 'yan, 'day."

Pia then commented that Annabelle had put so much effort in bringing up her kids the way she wanted them to be. But still, doesn't she feel that she should ease up a little knowing that her kids can fend for themselves?

Annabelle thought for a moment, then answered, "Alam ko naman. Alam ko naman lahat sila ganoon—palaban. 'Yan ang itinuturo ko sa kanila, maliit pa sila, na huwag sila paapi. Kailangan lumaban sila."

Raymond was next to ask his mother. First, he laughed and greeted his mom, "Hi, Ma, it's my turn." Then, on a serious note, he asked, "Going back to the case of PEP, alam ko na marami nang nasabi at marami nang nasulat ang camp natin at ang camp ni Ms. Jo-Ann [Maglipon, editor-in-chief of PEP]. Out of everything, for you, ano sa tingin mo ang positive na nangyari...out of all of this?"

"Alam mo, 'Mond," started Annabelle, "na positive nakikita ko, ang Zorro ni Richard is still number one."

As cheers from the studio crowd—mostly fans of Richard—erupted, Annabelle thanked everyone who supports her son, adding, "Yung mga award-award na 'yan, hindi ko naintindihan. Ang award galing sa anak ko, ang pinapasalamatan ko lahat ng taong bayan na sumusuporta."

FROM MAKATI TO DOJ. Before the next question could be heard, Annabelle asked for some time to explain herself, something that she said that was not aired on TV. What she was about to say was related to the transfer of the case from the Makati Prosecutor's Office to the DOJ.

"Yung kaso ni Richard, na-file sa Makati, okay? First hearing nila, sumipot si Jo-Ann at nagbigay ng sagot nila sa demanda ni Richard. Pangalawang hearing, dumating ang lawyer ko at tumawag sa akin at wala daw kaso ni Richard, may dumukot daw.

"Noong sinabi ng lawyer ko 'yon—lawyer ni Richard si Atty. [Angelica] Santiago—sabi ko, 'Mag-iimbestiga ako, Attorney. Bakit nawala ang kaso diyan ni Richard.' Nag-imbestiga ako ngayon kung sino ang dumukot, napunta na pala sa DOJ ang kaso. Nagtataka lang ako, bakit hindi pa pinabayaan ng DOJ na doon mag-imbestiga sa Makati Fiscal's Office? Bakit hindi tinapos ang kaso doon? Bakit dinukot ang kaso ni Richard at hindi ni-raffle sa DOJ ang kaso?

"Ang humawak ng kaso, si Prosecutor [Mary Jane] Sytat. Inimbistiga ko din kung sino siya. Yun pala siya, bata siya ni [former] Secretary [Raul] Gonzales. Tao siya ni Secretary Gonzales. Ang ginawa ko, pumunta ako ng DOJ. Nakikiusap ako kay Sec. Gonzales. Sabi ko, 'Secretary, bakit napunta dito kaso ni Richard? Finile namin sa Makati ang kaso niya at bakit napunta sa DOJ? Sino ang dumukot doon?'" Annabelle narrated.

According to Richard's mother, Secretary Gonzales informed her that even though the hearing would take place at the DOJ, the Makati court would still be involved. "Ang gusto lang daw nila, ang mag-ano lang daw ng kaso, e mga taga-DOJ. Sabi ko naman, 'Secretary Gonzales, fair naman ang laban dapat.' Kasi, nadukot na 'yan, parang iba na nasa isip ko na."