MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo’s mother has tapped the assistance of prominent lawyer Raymond Fortun to defend her against malicious accusations and fake news.

As the country celebrates Yulo’s historic Olympic wins, several news stories about the alleged rift between him and his mother, Angelica, have erupted on social media. Angelica has been accused of not supporting her son’s victory and Olympic journey in many online stories and accusations.

Mrs. Angelica Yulo has warned individuals spreading fake and untrue news about her | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Angela Yulo, Chloe San Jose

In an effort to put a stop against malicious accusations and fake news against her, Angelica has turned to Atty. Raymond Fortun. The lawyer has been tagged as “big time” for representing high-profile clients such as Senator Bong Revilla, former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and many others.

In a statement on Facebook, the lawyer explained that Yulo’s mother has asked him to “speak on her behalf” amidst the ongoing social media fiasco about her and her son.

Atty. Fortun explained that the accusations and statements online that imply she is not supportive of her son’s accomplishments are “untrue, fake, and mere products of imagination and fantasy by heretofore unknown individuals.”

The gymnast’s mother is now asking for the assistance of the authorities in identifying the individuals spreading fake accusations against her. Anyone making negative comments concerning the gymnast’s mother should be mindful of their words and erase them immediately.

“The public is hereby reminded that the sharing of these fake posts, as well as harsh and libelous comments made in said posts, are also actionable under the Anti-Cybercrime Law. It is advisable that the public DELETE their comments to avoid prosecution,” the statement explained.

Atty. Fortun clarified that while Mrs. Yulo gave two interviews about the alleged rift, the mainstream news only focused on her statement about her son’s girlfriend, Chloe San Jose.

Earlier, netizens were abuzz about the alleged feud and dislike of Mrs. Yulo for Carlo’s girlfriend. There were online posts quoting Mrs. Yulo blaming the girlfriend for the cause of her disagreement with her son. The issue quickly went viral as netizens chose sides.

In defense of Mrs. Yulo, Atty. Fortun stated that she is happy by her son’s success which was a result of his hard work. The lawyer even quoted the mother stating, “Finally, Mrs. Yulo and her family wish to assure the public that they share in the jubilation of the entire nation in the achievements of CARLOS EDRIEL and look forward to welcoming him home. I hereby quote her own words: “GOOD FOR HIM KASI ETO NA UNG PINAPANGARAP NYA AT ETO NA UNG PINAKAHIHINTAY NYA AT NAG PAID OFF LAHAT NG PAGHIHIRAP NYA.”

Yulo is one of the most celebrated athletes in Philippine sports history after bagging 2 Olympic medals in the artistic gymnastics category of the 2024 Paris Olympics.