Kris refutes rumor that Beth Tamayo was executed in China

source: manila bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Kris Aquino denies actress Beth Tamayo was one of those executed recently in China, following rumors that the latter and alleged Filipina drug courier Elizabeth Batain are the same person.

In a report on Journal.com, Aquino explained that she attended Batain's wake, attesting to the distinction between the two. She also cited an interview that she read on a magazine to bolster her claim.

“Eh, ’di ba, si Beth Tamayo, du’n sa Yes Magazine, gave such an active interview about Sarah (Geronimo), ’di ba? Eh, nakakulong na sa China nu’ng time na ’yon (ang mga nahatulan), ’di ba,” said she.

Aquino downplayed the supposed mystery surrounding Batain’s identity, saying it was a simple protective measure afforded to the latter's family given the sensitivity of the case.

“Lahat ng mga kapatid, mayroong matitinong trabaho. May isa, worked for a foreign government here; may isa, works sa Rockwell, may isa na nagtatrabaho sa isang Internet company. So, alam mo lang na ayaw mong mabansagan ang buong pamilya n’yo, drug mule or ganu’n, kasi masakit talaga, masakit ’yung ganu’ng accusation especially if you’re trying your best na maging productive citizen,” she said.

Aquino defended her presence at Batain’s wake, which seemingly ran counter to the family's request for discretion.

“Ano talaga, nagpunta ako ro’n hindi para lalong guluhin pa ang buhay nila,” she said. “I just wanted them to know na nakikiramay tayo dahil lahat naman tayo, mga Pilipino.”

In a separate report on Bomboradyo, Tamayo herself was said to have refuted the rumor via e-mail, which she sent to friends and colleagues in show business.

Tamayo, a popular teen actress during the '80s, had long been absent in the limelight after having married a rich Chinese businessman.

source: manila bulletin