MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Claudine Barretto is engaged in talks with Angelica Panganiban’s group in connection with the raging controversy involving the 2 celebrities.

In a phone interview, Shirley Kwan, Barretto’s talent manager, told ABS-CBN News that talks are now ongoing between the 2 camps in an effort to settle their issues.

When asked about the progress of their meetings, however, Kwan declined to give further details.

It would be recalled that Barretto accused Panganiban of spreading false allegations about her. Barretto said Panganiban allegedly started a rumor that she had an extramarital affair with actor Derek Ramsay’s best friend.

Barretto, who is married to Raymart Santiago, has vehemently denied it, and even threatened to sue Panganiban.

Up until today, Panganiban is maintaining her silence.

Star Magic, which handles Panganiban’s career, has already issued its official statement as it defended the actress from Barretto's accusations.

It said Panganiban has “not done anything wrong, much less, maligned Claudine. On the contrary, it is Angelica who is being maligned by these unfounded accusations.”

Meanwhile, Barretto and Panganiban’s celebrity friends are still hopeful that things will be ironed out between them.

Aga Muhlach, for one, said he is optimistic that the issue will soon be over.

“I continue to pray na maayos yan... Hindi na dapat palakihin pa at nakikiusap rin ako sa mga taong hindi naman involved to just lay low lang, let them fix it,” said Muhlach, who is a friend to both Barretto and Panganiban.

Angel Locsin, on the other hand, declined to give any comment.

Locsin, who also had a misunderstanding with Barretto in the past, said: “Kung si Angelica nga ayaw mag-comment, ano pa kaya ako, di ba? Ayokong magsalita.” -Report from Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News