Ricardo Cepeda reflects on 11-month detention: ‘Honestly, it’s hard’

Ricardo Cepeda opened up about his experience being detained for 11 months due to an alleged syndicated estafa case filed against him in 2023. 

In Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Ricardo, accompanied by his partner Marina Benipayo, detailed the circumstances that led to his detention and the profound impact the experience had on him and his family.

“I was working with this company, sa isang direct selling company, and ‘yung role ko in the company is a brand ambassador, a product ambassador. Which is I simply talk about my experiences using products that they distribute,” Ricardo said.

The actor said that he attended meetings and presentations, and he would give testimonials on stage.

“Nalaman namin na there were backdoor meetings, which he and the other speakers didn't know about,” Marina said.

Per Ricardo, operations like backdoor meetings and offering investments happened without his knowledge.

“Habang we're doing this presentation, merong ibang meeting in a private area,” he said.

Ricardo had previously said he was not connected to the company involved in the complaint, saying he was only an endorser of its products.

He was detained for 11 months, nine months of which were spent in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan and another two months in Quezon City. 

“Honestly, it's hard. It's hard,” he told Tito Boy. 

Ricardo, however, said that the experience did not break him. He added that he was grateful for the Philippine Military Academy training his dad put him through before as it felt like he was just doing beast barracks training all over again.

“We've always felt that there was, you know, it sounds cliche, pero everything happens for a reason. There's a plan,” he said.

He was able to continue communicating with his family, which provided some comfort.

“My biggest worry, Boy, was how this will affect them outside,” he said.

Marina said that she always made sure to visit Ricardo, even when he was detained in Tuguegarao.

“If I'm having a hard time, lalo na siya, ‘di ba?” she said. “I want to be there with him.”

The actor was released from detention and reunited with Marina last September. 

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News