Fans of the late actor Rico Yan are enraged over Claudine Barretto’s recent statement that her former boyfriend would have been a supporter of Marcos.
The actress, who has voiced her support for presidential nominee Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator who ruled under martial law from 1972 to 1981, has claimed through several Instagram comments that Rico would have looked up to “these people”, meaning the Marcos family and the Dutertes.
It is noted that President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is Marcos Jr.’s running mate.
“Rico is a true blooded Marcos [supporter] and admires BBM, also President Duterte, when we met all in person in Davao,” she also added.
Claudine’s statement had since brought about an old clip from when Rico was a guest correspondent for a news programme, in which he covered about the martial law, and interviewed individuals who were against it.
It was also revealed that Rico’s paternal grandfather, former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Manuel Yan, Sr. left his post in 1972 as he didn’t want to be involved with martial law.
“Claudine is trying to rationalize her decision. Her heart cannot be in peace with her choice of candidate,” one Twitter user posted.
“Not Claudine putting words into a dead person’s mouth????” expressed another.
On the other hand, talent manager Noel Ferrer slammed the statement made by Claudine, saying that he was with the late actor at the EDSA People Power Anniversary.
“Let us not use his memory in vain or for personal gains. Rico – and his family for that matter, deserve better,” he wrote.
“The audacity of his former GF to use his memory to justify her current political choices,” a netizen then commented.
“Please have some respect for Rico Yan and his family. They did not support Martial Law and the Marcoses. So, to use his name in this way for your own clout is really appalling,” said another, addressing the actress.
(Photo Source: Claudine Barretto Instagram, Noel Ferrer Instagram, GMA)