Actor Ricardo Cepeda posts bail, to be released from prison after 11 months

MANILA, Philippines: Actor Ricardo Cepeda — Richard Cesar Go in real life — is going home after almost a year of imprisonment, his long-time partner, actress-model Marina Benipayo, confirmed.

The actor was arrested in October 2023 on charges of alleged syndicated estafa.

On Thursday, September 19, Benipayo posted on her social media accounts a video of her and Cepeda dancing in their casual clothes and inside what seems to be their family home.

Benipayo, however, did not specify if it was a recent video or a throwback in anticipation of Cepeda's homecoming.

"#11months and finally, he's going home! God is Good! Thank you, everyone for your prayers #ricardocepeda #life #love #family #lifegoeson," Benipayo wrote.

Actress Nadia Montenegro also took to social media to celebrate the freedom of her colleague, confirming that Cepeda's release form has been signed. She added that Cepeda «patiently fought» his battles in court and «endured jail time hundreds of miles away.»

«Ric you have always been a kind, decent, respectful and respected human being. This was just a phase you had to go through that only our faith will allow us to surpass and understand. And you did!!! We all know you are INNOCENT! And PROVEN!!!»

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Montenegro accompanied this post with a photo montage filled with more details about the release. Among the photos included was a shot of a court order signed by a judge on Sept. 18, 2024.

«Having posted cash bond duly approved by this court, the Warden of the Cagayan provincial jail, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, where the accused is detained is ordered to release the accused on provisional liberty unless held for some other lawful case,» the order read but with no mention of the bond amount.

Another photo showed Cepeda, Benipayo and his legal counsel showing the actor's release paper.

Meanwhile, on Cepeda's Facebook account, one of his children — Sachi Go — also wrote a message for the actor.

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«About a year ago, my father was taken to jail for a crime he didn't commit… and remained strong, positive, and resilient through this whole ordeal. We knew he was facing the hardest challenge. We knew if anyone was struggling, it would be him. But