Rhian Ramos amid recent issue: 'The truth will set us free’

Rhian Ramos has addressed for the first time the controversy she is currently facing with fellow Kapuso star Michelle Dee. 

In Aubrey Carampel's exclusive report on "24 Oras," Thursday, Rhian admitted that what she has experienced these past few weeks has not been easy. 

“Well, honestly, syempre, sino ba naman matutuwa? And I can say, yes, it’s in a way stressful pero I'm also quite confident na the truth will, ano naman, will set us free," she said. 

“I just can't give so much details about everything because we might be waiting for a possible case or whatever. So, I can't give too many details, but yeah, in the end, the truth will set us free,” she added. 

Despite the issue, Rhian was all smiles when she received the TV Actress of the Year award at the Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 2026 for her role as Mitena in “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre." 

During her acceptance speech, Rhian seemingly made a lighthearted remark that subtly referenced the controversy.

“Happy Chinese New Year. Thank God it's the end of Snake Year and it's now the Year of the [Horse]. What a way to start it. Pa-angpao nga diyan. Charot,” she quipped. 

In Carampel's report, Rhian also clarified her comment on Michelle’s Chinese New Year post on Instagram, where the latter can be seen holding an angpao. 

Rhian had left a comment on the post, saying, “May your ampaos be filled,” which quickly caught the attention of netizens.

“I think where that's coming from really is not that it's a funny matter. Kung ano naman 'yung totoo, 'yun 'yung lalabas eh. And that's why I feel confident na things are going to be okay," she said. 

She added that while many have urged her to defend herself, she believes it is not yet the right time. 

“It’s just not the right time right now. And you know, honestly, a lot of people are asking me to defend myself. The more important thing right now is not to defend myself because I don't need to," she said. 

Rhian also expressed gratitude to the students, faculty, and staff of Trinity University of Asia for the recognition.

“I am so, so grateful to all of the students of Trinity University of Asia. Of course, all of the faculty and staff. It's so nice to be representing 'Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre,'" she said. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News