The camp of Samantha Panlilio speaks about the controversy.
Here’s the statement from the camp of beauty queen-politician Samantha Panlilio about the issue versus the driver of Rhian Ramos.
Beauty queen-actress Michelle Dee, fellow Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos, and beauty queen-politician Samantha Panlilio are facing controversy after a driver accused the three of assaulting and illegally detaining him.
Bonifacio Baro, the supposed driver and personal assistant of Rhian Ramos, came forward to accuse them of torture and illegal detention. Dee, Ramos, and Panlilio’s issue surfaced online and is currently making a loud buzz.
Dee and Ramos’ legal counsel, Maggie Abraham-Garduque, said on January 28 that the two celebrities have yet to receive a copy of the complaint. Through Garduque, Dee and Ramos also denied the claim of illegal detention, explaining that the man was a stay-in driver for Ramos.
Recently, Panlilio’s camp broke its silence through her legal counsels, Atty. Buenaventura Miranda and Atty. Carl Jon Mucho of the Chavez, Miranda, Aseoche Law Office. According to the statement issued on January 30, the accusations of Baro against their client are “pure fabrication.”
The lawyers also emphasized that Baro was the one at fault, and cited that the “records of the Makati City Police would show that Mr. Bonifacio Baro was earlier arrested on Jan 19, 2026, for Qualified Theft charges and was detained until Jan 22, 2026.”
“Our client will coordinate with the relevant authorities to clear her name,” it added.
Panlilio is a Filipino beauty queen, media personality, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She is the crowned Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021, and represented the Philippines in the Miss Grand International 2021 pageant.
She also competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2023, where she placed in the Top 18, and has since continued to expand her presence in entertainment, advocacy, and public service.
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