Claudine threatens to haul Angelica to court

No amount of apology will pacify Claudine Barretto, who plans to sue actress Angelica Panganiban for allegedly spreading rumors about her.

The 31-year old actress said so in a tab report, adding that she will file either a libel or slander case against Angelica, who allegedly told people that she [Claudine] is having an extra-marital affair with actor Derek Ramsay’s best friend.

In previous interviews, Claudine neither confirmed nor denied the rumored rift between her and Angelica, whom she allegedly tweeted on Twitter. Before, Claudine went only as far to admit that she got “hurt” by what happened between them.

However, in an article published by a local daily on Aug. 26, Claudine said the situation has gotten “out of hand,” and that the rumors Angelica allegedly spread have caused her fights with husband Raymart Santiago.

Claudine added that Angelica spun the yarn “because she fought with my Ate,” pertaining to the word war between Angelica and Gretchen Barretto a few months back.

Later, Angelica apologized to Gretchen and since then they have become each other's “new friend.”

Claudine believes Angelica could've–should've–done the same to her but she didn't.

“Angelica never reached out to me. She felt no remorse… she denied that she ever said it (rumor). But a number of friends are willing to testify in court that she did. I’m not going into this unprepared.”

Claudine added that Derek has apologized to her and Raymart on Angelica’s behalf. She didn't accept it, though, because “Derek wasn’t the traitor.”

Claudine enumerated the numerous instances that proved her support and love for Angelica.

“My family trusted and welcomed [her] into our home. I myself have known Angelica since she was 9. I took care of her [when she started out in the biz]. She was there when Raymart and I got married. She was there when Sabina and Santino (Claudine and Raymart’s kids) were christened. We invited her to our birthday celebrations,” she related.

‘Prepare for war’

Meanwhile, Star Magic head Johnny Manahan told PEP in a text message that they are ready to face Claudine’s lawsuit.

"Go Ahead. Sue, Claudine. Make our Day! Para Bellum,” he said. (“Para bellum” is part of the Latin adage “si vis pacem, para bellum” which means “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.”)

Angelica has kept mum on the issue, save for some tweets she posted, thanking all her supporters.

“salamat sa inyong lahat. pakiusap lang,wag na po magtweet sa mga friends ko para wag ng madamay ang iba. salamat sa paniniwala.goodnight,” read her first tweet on the matter on August 25.

She added: “susundin ko lang ang sinasabi sakin ng mga taong pinagkakatiwalaan ko. goodnight everyone."

“d ko inisip na ganito suportang makukuha ko. salamat talaga! susubukan ko na matulog ”

Claudine and Angelica are said to have had an almost “close encounter” last weekend in Davao, where they held respective shows. Although Claudine and Angelica are said to have stayed in the same hotel, their handlers reportedly made sure the two did not cross paths.

“Nakalabas naman kami ng buhay sa hotel.. Nag promise ako.. Mananahimik lang ako... Salamat Lord.. Life is beautiful!!” posted Angelica on Aug. 22 in seeming reference to the “close encounter.”

Rowena Joy Sanchez, Manila Bulletin