Allegations Emerge as Driver Files Complaint vs Rhian Ramos, Michelle Dee Camp

On January 28, 2026, a 40-year-old man identifying himself as the driver and personal assistant of actress Rhian Ramos filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He accuses Ramos, actress-beauty queen Michelle Dee, fellow beauty queen Samantha Panlilio, and others — including two bodyguards and some police officers — of illegal detention, torture, and physical assault.

According to his complaint, the dispute began over a red envelope (“angpao”) that allegedly contained sensitive photos. He claims he was accused of stealing it and was held for three days, physically harmed, and humiliated inside the condominium unit owned by the celebrities.

 

WHAT THE CELEBRITIES’ CAMP SAYS

The legal counsels of Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee have strongly denied the allegations. They stated in multiple statements that:

There was no illegal detention or torture.

The last known interaction was a qualified theft complaint filed by Michelle Dee against the driver — alleging the missing photos were taken without permission.

According to their lawyer, records show Michelle Dee was in Iloilo City on January 17 gracing an event, the date the driver claims he was allegedly detained and assaulted, making the claim “physically impossible.”

OTHER CONFIRMED EVENT

Qualified Theft Blotter, materials from barangay records confirm that Michelle Dee filed a blotter report against the driver on January 18 in Makati, alleging that he (the driver) physically harmed her that left bruises and scratches  and that he had taken sensitive items.

LEGAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY AT PLAY

Here’s how this could align with Philippine law if either side is proven true:

If Driver’s Claims Are True

Illegal Detention: Under Article 274 of the Revised Penal Code, detaining a person without lawful authority is a crime.

Torture/Physical Injuries: Physical harm caused unlawfully could lead to charges under the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745) and provisions on physical injuries.

Abuse of Authority: If police officers were involved in unlawful detention, they could face administrative and criminal charges under the Philippine National Police (PNP) regulations and criminal law.

If Celebrities’ Claims Are True

Perjury or False Accusation: Filing knowingly false charges could expose the complainant to perjury provisions under the Revised Penal Code and anti-perjury laws.

Qualified Theft: The theft complaint filed by Michelle Dee — which was dismissed — was grounded on Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code. While dismissed, pursuing alleged theft is within her legal rights if supported by evidence.

(Note: At this stage, no court has convicted anyone in this case. The NBI is still evaluating evidence; this article states possible legal consequences only as context.)

SOCIAL MEDIA AND NETIZEN REACTIONS

As the story went viral, social media reactions have been divided:

Some netizens believe that if the allegations of unlawful detention and assault are true, the celebrities should be held accountable. 

Others defended the actresses based on alibi claims, including Michelle Dee’s presence in Iloilo on January 17, and questioned the credibility of the driver’s story. 

Friends and colleagues, including former beauty queens and designers, publicly defended the celebrities, describing them as “calm” and “professional.”

There's also some comments on Reddit and X highlight disbelief that someone could survive a fall from a high floor if truly tortured and immobilized.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

The NBI is continuing its review. A medico-legal exam and possible evidence from CCTV or telecom providers could be crucial. No formal criminal charges have been filed against the celebrities yet, and both sides are awaiting further investigation.