By NEIL RAMOS
SINGER Jake Zyrus has come out to accuse her mother, Raquel Pempengco, of being abusive towards her, growing up.
The singer formerly known as Charice Pempengco, made the revelation in her just released book, “I Am Jake.”
In the chapter titled “Mommy Dearest,” Zyrus elaborated on the maltreatment she experienced from Raquel, sharing how the latter used to beat her up using a belt or a broom.
The singer also described her maternal grandmother, Tess Relucio, as having the same violent tendencies.
Aside from hurting her physically, Zyrus said her mother would also emotionally torture her, particularly after she came out of the closet.
Reacting to her daughter’s rant, Raquel told Pep, “Isa lang ang masasabi ko sa libro…, sira-ulo lang ang bibili ng libro dahil sira-ulo ang gumawa.
“Wala na sa sariling katinuan si Charice,” she added. “Naawa ako para sa kanya.”