Umapela ng financial help ang fraternal twin brother ni Ricardo Cepeda na si Robert Go para sa legal expenses ng aktor.
Isang GoFundMe page ang sinimulan ni Robert upang makalikom ng USD30,000 o PHP1,680,825.
As of March 2, 2024, nasa USD6,813 o PHP381,715.36 na ang nalilikom na pondo para kay Ricardo sa nasabing GoFundMe page.
Noong October 2023, inaresto si Ricardo sa Caloocan City sa bisa ng warrant or arrest dahil sa 43 counts of syndicated estafa. Non-bailable ang kasong kinahaharap ng aktor.
Sa description ng GoFundMe page, nanindigan si Robert na hindi bahagi si Ricardo ng investment scam ng isang kumpanya. Brand ambassador lamang daw ito, gaya ng naunang statement ng aktor sa GMA News.
Pahayag ni Robert, "It's crucial to underscore his innocence, as he was wrongly linked to the company at fault due to a brief stint as a celebrity endorser.
"In this role, under his screen name, Ricardo had no awareness of the company's financial intricacies and no direct involvement in business decisions or investments.
Patuloy pa nito, "Ricardo's role as an endorser, limited to promoting select products, has unfairly positioned him as the face associated with the company's wrongdoing.
"Despite his lack of reason to hide, authorities detained him, adding an undeserved layer of difficulty to his situation."
Read: Ricardo Cepeda speaks up about syndicated estafa case: “Hindi ko alam na sinama nila ako.”
Kasunod nito ay ang apela ni Robert ng tulong pinansiyal para sa kapatid.
Ayon kay Robert, nasaid na ang savings ni Ricardo dahil bukod sa kasong kinahaharap nito ay may health issues din ang kanilang mga magulang.
Aniya, "Beyond being a passionate actor, Ricardo is my fraternal twin, a devoted father, brother, and friend. United, we feel the weight of the burden he carries.
"The accusations have not only taken an emotional toll but have also led to significant financial strain.
"Since October, Ricardo had to abandon projects, and has exhausted all his savings and no longer has income.
"As he remains in custody in the Philippines until now, with no definite sign that he will be given his day in court, the mounting legal fees further exacerbate his financial challenges and driving him deeper in debt.
"The situation is compounded by our family's struggles, with our mother needing a triple cardiac bypass and our father recently experiencing a fall.
"Ricardo's wife, Marina Benipayo, an accomplished actress, despite her own challenges, works tirelessly to support the family on her own and doing her best to keep the household going.
"Additionally, Ricardo has two adult daughters, two stepsons and a step-grandson, all affected by this distressing situation."
Sa latest update sa GoFundMe page, mayroon nang scheduled hearings si Ricardo.
At sa bawat court apperance at tinatayang aabutin ng USD500 o PHP28,013.75, ang kanilang kakailanganin, bukod pa sa attorney's fees.
Pagbabahagi ni Robert, "Richard's journey through the legal system has been arduous.
"With 23 hearings scheduled between February and June 2024, the financial burden is overwhelming.
"Each court appearance costs at least USD500.00, in addition to mounting attorney's fees. The physical toll is equally daunting, as Richard must endure grueling journeys over bumpy roads for 3-4 hours each way from where he is being detained."
Dagdag challenge din sa pamilya, lalo sa asawa ni Ricardo na si Marina Benipayo, ang biyahe dahil sa Tuguegarao City pa ginagawa ang court hearings at sa Cagayan na naka-detain si Ricardo.
"The sacrifices extend to his wife, Marina, who makes the same journey from Manila to stand by his side at every hearing.
"Despite our hopes, the recent developments have dashed them.
"Despite clear evidence of Richard's innocence, the sluggishness of the legal process and the scheduling of a nationwide prosecutor's conference in March and a Holiday in April have delayed any possibility of bail until April 18, 2024, at the earliest."
RICARDO CEPEDA: CASE UPDATES
Bukod sa 43 counts of syndicated estafa, may warrant of arrest din si Ricardo para sa bouncing check at paglabag sa RA 8799 o Securities Regulation Code.
Noong December 2023, nag-file ang kampo ni Ricardo ng motion to quash upang maideklara ang kaso laban dito as invalid or void.
Ngunit base sa update sa GoFundMe page noong January 29, 2024, na-deny ang request na ito.
Sabi sa update ni Robert, "It is with heavy hearts that we share a painful update on Richard's legal battle.
"His motion to quash has been denied, propelling us into the next phase of this harrowing journey.
"Despite crystal-clear facts establishing his innocence — that he is not a member, staff, or employee of the company facing estafa charges in the Philippines — he continues to be unjustly detained."
Hindi man na-grant ang kanilang motion to quash, nagpahiwatig naman ang lawyer ni Ricardo ng posibilidad na magkaroon ng piyansa.
Aniya, "There seems to be a glimmer of hope. Richard's lawyer has indicated that the court may allow him to file for the possibility of securing bail.
"This could offer a chance for Richard to be released from jail and work in between court dates.
"The challenge is that the bail amount adds another astronomical sum to his current fees. Continued help on this matter is much appreciated."
Patuloy na umaasa si Robert at ang kanilang pamilya na mababasura ang mga kasong nakasampa kay Ricardo at makalaya na ito.
Aniya, "We cling to hope that the charges will be rightfully dropped, and Ricardo is released soon.
"If you know Ric, you know he is a kind, honest, hardworking, and compassionate man who despite this injustice, continues to have faith and is grateful for the kindness and concern he has received.
"We appreciate your time, prayers, and any contribution to this fund.
"Your support, whether financial or through kind words and sharing, will help us spread the word for #JusticeForRicardo and #RallyForRic #BringRicardoHome."
READ MORE:
- Ricardo Cepeda "wrongfully accused," says stepson; still detained at Camp Karingal
- Marina Benipayo on hate comments after partner Ricardo Cepeda's arrest: “Hindi niyo kami kilala.”
- Sarah Lahbati, Janno Gibbs, Ricardo Cepeda, at Brandy Ayala nakaranas ng kakaibang Pasko sa unang pagkakataon
- Ricardo Cepeda, binisita ng mga kapwa artista sa Camp Karingal