Actor Ricardo Cepeda granted an interview with select members of the showbiz press after posting bail for his estafa case. He expressed relief after 11 months of detention.
Cepeda said he was grateful to reconnect with his family and resume work, crediting his faith for keeping him strong during the ordeal.
“It was my faith that kept me going. I couldn’t sleep during the first few nights, but I had to psyche myself up. I was already in a negative state, so all I could do was stay positive and be optimistic that I’d eventually reunite with my family, who have been my source of strength throughout this experience,” the 59-year-old actor told Manila Standard Entertainment.
The 59-year-old actor also revealed that shortly after his release, he received a message from FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo lead star Coco Martin, discussing his return to the popular show.
“Coco said he’s been praying for me, and hearing that was one of my biggest comforts. Now we’re in talks about my return to the show. His team also messaged me, confirming that they’re preparing for my character’s return. They had to adjust my character’s storyline, putting him in Hong Kong, so when my character comes back, it’ll stay that way. My character, Mr. Wu, is a drug lord, so the story will continue,” he said.
“I’ll be able to work, and I can even travel abroad. My lawyer just needs to file a written motion with the court, informing them of my whereabouts,” he added
While detained in Camp Karingal and Tuguegarao, Cepeda revealed that his fellow inmates were big fans of the show.
“We’d finish the headcount and our other tasks, then watch Batang Quiapo in the common area,” he shared.
“I really missed Batang Quiapo. I could see what was happening, and people there would ask me when I was coming back. I’d just say, ‘I don’t know either, we’re all stuck in here,’” he said in jest.
Cepeda couldn’t speak much about the case but said he was just happy to be “finally out.”
“There’s so much I can do when I’m outside. Inside, you’re just waiting for the next hearing, and in between, you’re not productive. Plus, communication is limited,” he said.
“I’m very grateful to all the friends who truly know me, those who stood by me, and even strangers who know me from my reputation, social media, or watching my shows,” he added
His time in detention also made him realize a few things he’d like to advocate for in the future if given the chance.
“There are people who’ve been incarcerated for years, with similar situations but haven’t been given a chance for bail. They even told me I’m lucky to have hearings because others only get two hearings a year,” he said.
Because of this experience, he wants to raise awareness about the flaws in the justice system.
“A lot of people are suffering unnecessarily. There are many flaws causing delays. I promised them I’d tell people what’s happening inside. Maybe that’s my purpose now—why I was able to get out. Not just to tell stories, but as a witness. That’s why, instead of feeling sorry, I believe there’s a mission behind why this happened,” he concluded.
Cepeda was released on Thursday, Sept. 20. He was arrested on charges of syndicated estafa after allegedly being connected to an investment scheme by a sales company based in Cagayan.
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