Post by fairy on Mar 19, 2008 14:55:11 GMT 8
Actress Claudine Barretto is determined to pursue her case against former PA Nancy “Jiji” Cruz, whom she accused of stealing a number of her personal belongings.
“Hindi ko akalain na sa tagal ng pagsisilbi ko sa kanya, ganito pa ‘yong igagaganti niya.”
Those were the sentiments expressed by Claudine Barretto’s beleaguered personal assistant for seven years, Nancy “Jiji” Cruz, in a taped interview with Showbiz Central. The interview was aired yesterday, Sunday, March 16.
Claudine filed a complaint affidavit against Jiji last December 27 for qualified theft. Jiji, in turn, filed for a counter affidavit last March 13 in response to her former employer’s accusation. Based on Claudine’s complaint, she is accusing Jiji of stealing a handful of her personal belongings, which include clothes and bags among others.
“Hindi matutumbasan ang pagsilbi ko sa kanya,” continued Jiji’s lament. “Nasasaktan lang ako dahil ganito ang nangyayari. Hindi ko akalain na sa tagal ng pagsisilbi ko sa kanya, ganito pa ‘yong igaganti niya.”
Despite their already strained relationship, Jiji said that she was still able to muster enough courage to offer Claudine courtesy when they met during a hearing conducted just recently.
“Nung first hearing sa fiscal, binati ko siya ng magandang umaga,” recounted Jiji. “Siyempre nararamdaman ko na hindi maganda yung umaga, pero nandoon pa rin ako, malinis ang puso ko.”
PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE. Countering Claudine’s accusation, Jiji’s lawyer Atty. Patrick Macamay argued that it is “physically impossible” for his client to carry out the supposed crime given the volume of the alleged stolen items stated in Claudine’s testimony. Security is another issue.
“The house also is really guarded by security guards and every time they go out, for example, for a day off, the security guards always inspect all your things,” Macamay protested.
“GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH.” Confident that she would win in the end, Claudine justified her legal action against her erstwhile personal assistant by saying, “God knows the truth and ako wala akong tinapakang tao sa buong buhay ko. Hindi ko ring sinasabing biktimang-biktima ako o kawawa ako dahil marunong din akong lumaban.”
Claudine also downplayed Jiji’s public plea. “Alam mo, matalino na ang tao ngayon. Hindi mo na mabibiro, hindi mo na maloloko ang tao ngayon,” she reasoned.
Capping off the interview, Claudine stressed in closing: “What’s important is that I have been a good employer.”