“Hindi ko talaga inakala na mapapasama ako sa Most Wanted sa Pilipinas…”
Neri Naig-Miranda began her statement by reflecting on her arrest and being ridiculed after being tagged as one of the “most wanted” in the country. In a lengthy social media post on Friday, March 21, the former actress opened up about being called a thief and scammer.
Despite the cases against her, Neri pointed out that she had always been visible.
“Never naman akong nagtago. Palagi nga akong nasa palengke, sa mga talks, at kahit saan pa—I have always been visible, hindi lang sa social media,” she captioned her post.
“I know many of you are waiting for me to tell my side of the story. When the time is right, I will. O kung kailangan pa bang ikwento ang lahat—mula sa pagdakip sa akin, sa kahihiyan, sa pagkakadetain, at sa agarang paglipat sa BJMP, kung saan dali-dali akong pinasuot ng yellow uniform,” she continued.
For now, Neri summed the whole experience up with, “It was a nightmare. Isang pagsubok at bangungot na hindi ko kailanman malilimutan.”
Amid all the labels, ridicule, and judgment, the former actress said she chose to be silent. In her belief, when people are in pain, it’s easy to say things they don’t mean–and that was not her. Neri refused to let anger or hurt define her.
“Some celebrated my lowest point, ginawa pa akong content para pagkakitaan. They judged me, questioned me, and discredited my hard work,” she stated.
“But there were those who stood by me, defended me, and lifted me up without asking for anything in return—I see you, I appreciate you, and I hope one day, I can do the same for you,” she added.
She also recognized people who felt even the smallest impact of their kindness, adding that they remind her that goodness still exists in the world.
“I always tell my kids: The best investment in life is kindness. Hindi mo agad-agad makikita ang balik, pero darating at darating ito sa tamang panahon,” she said.
Earlier this month, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) dismissed all the pending cases against the former actress. This was in line with the Dermacare/Beyond Skin Solutions scheme that she was entangled in.
A week later, she and the OPM singer-songwriter Chito Miranda renewed their wedding vows for their 10th anniversary.
