Rovelyn Baterbonia, mother of the late Ateneo de Manila University basketball player Rene Baterbonia, has denied accusations that she is exploiting her son’s death for financial gain amid criticism over the family’s merchandise business and the ₱30 entrance fee at his mini-museum.

In the Friday, October 2, 2026 episode of GMA Network’s ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, Rovelyn maintained that she had never solicited money from anyone following Rene’s passing.

“Sa totoo lang, hindi ko pineperahan ‘yung anak ko, ‘yung pagkamatay ng anak ko, kasi kahit ni piso, hindi po ako nanghingi [sa] kahit sinong tao,” she emphasized.

Rovelyn also clarified that selling merchandise and memorabilia associated with Rene was not an initiative she started only after his death.

According to her, the business was originally her son’s idea and something he had already entrusted to her while he was still alive.

“Nung buhay pa po ‘yung anak ko, ‘yun na po ‘yung iniwan niya sa akin na negosyo. Siya ‘yung nakaisip na magbenta kami ng mga memorable niya,” she explained.

The family has been selling various items associated with Rene, including jerseys, scrapbooks, perfume and other merchandise.

Apart from the merchandise sales, Rovelyn addressed criticism over the ₱30 admission fee at the family’s establishment in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

The issue gained attention after a visitor’s video questioning the entrance charge circulated online, prompting mixed reactions from netizens.

In a separate Facebook post, Rovelyn clarified that admission to the family’s merchandise store, Baterbonia’s Collection, is free. The ₱30 fee applies only to visitors entering Rene’s mini-museum and is intended to help cover its maintenance expenses.

“Lilinawin ko lang po ha Ang may entrance po na 30 pesos ay Ang moseum namin Hindi po yong store namin Kong papasok kayo sa mini museum sa aking anak na c Rene Baterbonia 2.0 may entrance po na 30 pesos para sa mga maintenance po namin,” she wrote.

She further explained that residents of Talacogon’s 16 barangays are exempt from paying the museum admission fee, provided they can establish their residency.

However, visitors accompanying them who are not Talacogon residents are still required to pay.

“Ang lahat nang taga Talacogon na may sakop na 16 brgy ay libre po Basta taga Talacogon pro Kong taga Talacogon kayo tpos may Kasama kayong Ibang tao na Hindi taga Talacogon Normal may entrance po and sa store namin libre po walang bayad po Yan. God bless you always,” Rovelyn added.

The family’s physical store opened in August and has since attracted visitors interested in Rene’s memorabilia.

Rovelyn’s clarification comes amid divided public reactions to the family’s decision to continue selling merchandise connected to the late athlete.

Singer-comedienne Kakai Bautista previously defended Rovelyn during an episode of ‘Kalurks’, saying there was nothing inherently wrong with the business if it helped the family meet its daily expenses.

Gladys Reyes also pointed out during the discussion that Rovelyn had reportedly been selling products even before Rene passed away.