Writer-director Benedict Mique came to the defense of actress Maris Racal and vouched for her professionalism amid the cheating allegations with her onscreen partner Anthony Jennings,

amid the ensuing backlash on her career.

On Facebook, Mique reflected on his experience working with Racal, saying she deserves another chance to continue her work in the industry.

He expressed hope the public would give her and Jennings another opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

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“They are all young and immature, and they made mistakes. They also deserve the repercussions of their actions. But in the end, they also deserve another chance,” he began his Facebook post.

“I’ve worked with Maris and masasabi ko na mabait na bata siya, very professional and a very good actress. She deserves what she has now, and I hope we all give her a chance to show us more of her talent in the future,” added the filmmaker.

Mique stressed that Racal should have the chance to redeem herself.

“And just like each and every one of us, she works hard to survive for herself and her family, so let’s not deprive her of her livelihood and passion. Pag nasa baba na yung tao wag mo na sipain at batuhin (If the person is already below, don’t kick them further). Walang masama sa pagiging mabuti (There’s nothing wrong with being compassionate),” he said.

Mique is known for his work in “Lolo and the Kid,” “Maple Leaf Dreams,” and “Two Love You,” among others.

Peace of mind for Maris, Anthony

Broadcast journalist Mariz Umali also weighed in on the issue given that social media was flooded with memes linking her to the drama because their name sounded the same.

Umali appealed for compassion as she urged the public to “give the two a break” and focus on offering prayers for the pair in a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit.

“Di ko akalaing magtetrend ako (I didn’t expect that I would trend) alongside Maris. Pero seriously, I hope we can also give them a break. Masakit pinagdaraanan nila (what they are going through is painful) and though Filipinos love humor, naniniwala ako na (I believe that) Filipinos also are sensitive enough to give them peace,” she stated.

In a separate answer on the thread, Umali stressed that netizens should pray for the peace of mind of the people involved, considering no one wants to be in the same position as Racal and Jennings right now.

“Kaugnay sa nangyaring kontrobersya, ipagdasal na lang natin sila (in connection with the controversy, let’s pray for them). Walang may gusto na malagay sa ganung kontrobersya sakit at kahihiyan kaya (no one wants to be put in that kind of controversy and shame so) let’s pray for their peace of mind and the ability to rise from this painful situation,” she said.

Endorsements

Following the controversy, Racal had lost several endorsement deals. However, there were still a few, like a skincare brand that stayed loyal to the actress, and even amplified their partnership on social media.

“To err is human, to forgive is divine. Keep glowing,” they captioned alongside Racal’s endorsement photo.