“Please leave Rico, and us in peace,” Rico Yan’s mother appeals
Sita Yan, mother of the late Rico Yan, has pleaded with the public to stop using her deceased son’s defenseless name, days after ‘90s sexy star Sabrina M. claimed to have dated Rico Yan for several years.
Sita’s official statement was obtained by Ogie Diaz, which he publicized through his vlog on Monday, July 17.
A reminiscent Sita writes: “It has been 21 years since Rico passed on March 29, 2002. The pain of the family losing a son and a brother has been permanently etched into our being.
“The recent news swirling around Rico is very unfair. He is no longer around to give his comment, to either refute, deny, or acknowledge the claims. It is not only unfair but disrespectful,” she adds in a seeming confrontation of Sabrina’s relationship claims.
“I ask everyone concerned to please STOP using Rico’s name for their own individual purposes. Please leave Rico, and us in peace,” she finishes.
Sita’s plea came amid the recent controversy brought about by Sabrina M., a ‘90s sexy actress who claims to have had a relationship with Rico. This, she dignified rather boldly in an interview with PEP.ph during the press conference of “Manang” on July 6.
According to her, their relationship, which lasted for a few years, succeeded the more publicized romance of the late actor with actress Claudine Barretto.
“Ito iyong first time na inamin kong nagkaroon kami ng relasyon. After Claudine, naging kami, umabot din ng taon,” she reveals.
More so, Sabrina shares that she takes pride from the fact that he once dated Rico, as she says: “Siyempre, Rico Yan kasi yan. First time ko pa lang siyang makita, crush ko na siya.”
Claudine Barretto to file legal complaint?
Days after the revelation, Claudine Barretto and her camp issued a statement through lawyer Ferdinand Topacio in demand for Sabrina to release a public apology over falsified claims.
As for Atty. Topacio, “Parang pinapalabas niya si Rico Yan ay two-timer at si Claudine naman, kung alam daw ni Claudine iyon, ay parang napakababa naman ng moralidad ni Claudine na pumapayag siya na dalawa sila sa buhay ni Rico Yan.”
While Sabrina remained firm with her version of the truth, her close friend Katrina Paula made the effort of debunking her claims during an interview with showbiz personality Cristy Fermin.
Katrina reveals: “Walang relasyon na naganap sa kanila.
“Baka nagkatikiman sila pero ‘yung relasyon, hindi ko alam saan nanggaling,” Katrina adds.
Katrina then brought up her recent meeting with Claudine, as she reveals being asked by the latter to talk to Sabrina about the ongoing rumors associated with the deceased actor.
“Sobrang bait ni Claudine. Nakiusap sa akin na, ‘Baka naman pwede mong sabihan ‘yung kaibigan mo na ‘wag niya na ako idamay, at saka huwag na niyang gamitin si Rico kasi matagal na siyang wala dito,’” quotes Katrina.
Following the interview, Claudine then took to Instagram her appreciation and gratitude by posting a photo of her and Katrina during their meet-up.
Rico Yan was a ‘90s matinee idol who passed away 21 years ago at the age of 27. His lifeless body was discovered by close friend and actor Dominic Ochoa at the Dos Palmas Resort In Puerto Princesa Palawan.
Rico died from cardiac arrest, which stemmed from acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. He was buried on April 4, 2022, at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.
READ ALSO: The Best Filipino Rom-Coms From The Early 2000s
Banner Art Paulo Correa
