Household helpers accuse Maricel of physical, verbal abuse
Two household helpers of Maricel Soriano have accused the actress of physically and verbally abusing them, including threatening to shoot one of them.
Last June 30, Camille Acojedo, 18, and May Cachuela, 22, went to Mon Tulfo’s DZIQ radio program,"Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo," to complain about the abuse they experienced in Maricel’s household.
Camille and May said they were hired last June 18. In the short period of time they worked for the actress, the two helpers said Maricel physically and verbally abused them.
The last straw for Camille and May happened last June 29, when Maricel allegedly kicked them and threatened to shoot May.
“May recording daw po siya so ‘yon nag-aayos kami ng mga gamit niya, nag-aayos ng bag nya. May hinahanap siyang kulay yellow, di ko alam bitbit ng isang katulong namin. Tapos hinanap na ‘yong bilog, pang-make up daw po niya. Hindi namin mahanap, ‘yon nagwala na po sya, nagmumura. Sabi niya, ‘Papatayin ko kayo,’” May said in an interview with “The Buzz” on Sunday, July 3.
May recounted that Maricel grew more furious when she saw her crying. This allegedly prompted Maricel to kick her. “Noong binigay ko ang cigarette case nya, sinipa niya po ako dito. Sabi ko, ‘Ma’am masakit, masakit po.’ Sabi ko, wag po. Sabi niya, ‘Iiyak ka pa. Magpa-medical ka kung gusto mo. Hindi ako natatakot sa’yo. Mag-demanda ka. Sige, magdemanda ka. Marami akong pera, hindi mo ako kaya,’” May said.
She added that Maricel threatened to shoot her and was about to get her gun. She was thankful that Maricel’s son, Sebastien, intervened in the argument. “Babarilin kita sabi nya. Nung nalaman ni Sir Chen na pakuha na sya, pumunta ho siya sa akin. Niyakap nya ko at sinabi, ‘please Mom, don’t hurt her. Ako na lang,’” May quoted Sebastien or Chen as saying.
After that incident, Maricel left the house for an appointment, the helpers said. However, the argument continued upon Maricel’s return, they added. “Nung pinatawag nya ako, minura na naman nya ako. Sabi nya, ‘bakit, iiyak ka pa?’ sabi nya, ‘bakit magdedemanda ka? Hindi mo ako kaya May.’ Sabi nya sa akin, ‘isa ka lang hampaslupa na katulong,’” May said. This prompted the two helpers to leave Maricel’s household and seek the assistance of the security and the building’s administration.
Maricel was said to have called the security to ask for May and Camille’s whereabouts. However, the two asked Maricel’s driver to contact Chen so he can sign their clearance to leave.
Maricel’s assistant, Inday Castillo, on the other hand, is accusing May and Camille of stealing from their employer. But the two denied this.
“Sabi ho ni Ma’am Inday eh nagkakakalkal daw kami ng bag nya. So binabaliktad po kami ngayon. Ang masasabi ko lang po ay kung nagnakaw kami, bakit wala silang nakita sa clearance. Kinapkapan na ho kami ng security,” May said.
Aside from the physical abuse, Maricel allegedly verbally abused Camille and May by hurling expletives at them. Even in small things, Maricel allegedly would say bad words at them. “Naranasan ko kay ma’am talaga ‘yong pagmumura niya. Hindi namin masikmura ‘yong pagmumura niya… kung gaano kalutong, parang pinapakain sa amin ‘yong mura niya.” Camille said. They also allegedly missed their meals because they were attending to Maricel’s needs.
A hearing with the barangay officials is set on July 6. If Maricel fails to attend twice, the complaint will be brought to the police.
As of posting time, Maricel has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Editor’s Note:Yahoo! Philippines OMG! tried but was unable to reach Maricel to get her side on the issue. We are open to hear and publish her reaction to the allegations and charges that were brought forward.
