MANILA, Philippines — Actress Jennylyn Mercado’s camp on Wednesday said she will not comment or grant interviews regarding Patrick Garcia’s recent statements about their past relationship.
In an official statement released by Aguila Entertainment, Mercado’s camp said the actress would rather not share her side of the story after Garcia discussed their relationship and 2008 breakup in an interview with Ogie Diaz on YouTube.
“Everyone is entitled to share their story on whatever platform they choose. In this case, Jennylyn would rather not share her side of the story out of respect for the privacy and peace of mind of both her family and Patrick’s,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Mercado's camp also appealed to the public to stop directing hate toward Garcia’s family.
“Jennylyn asks the public to stop the hate and refrain from bashing Patrick’s family, especially his daughter, Michelle,” the statement said.
“Rest assured that Jennylyn and her son, Jazz, are living a good and happy life with her husband, Dennis, daughter Dylan, and stepson Calix,” it said.
Garcia and Mercado began dating in 2007 and announced in January 2008 that they were expecting their first child. They separated the following month while Mercado was pregnant.
Mercado gave birth to their son, Alex Jazz, on Aug. 16, 2008.
Garcia recently shared his account of their breakup, saying he had remained silent about the matter for nearly 18 years. He said he decided to speak after his daughter Michelle became the subject of online criticism.
Among the issues he addressed was his absence during Mercado’s pregnancy. Garcia denied that he abandoned the actress, saying he was not present because, according to him, Mercado did not want him there.
“To those bashers who hate me because they say I left Jen, no, that’s not true. I did not leave Jen,” Garcia said in the interview.
Garcia said the relationship ended without a clear resolution and that he chose to keep his version of events private for years.
He said Michelle eventually encouraged him to tell his side after she faced criticism online.
“Daddy, it’s OK, as long as they know the truth,” he recalled her saying.
