Dennis Padilla still hoping to reconcile with Julia, Claudia after surname change petition

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actor Dennis Padilla said he no longer harbors bitterness toward his children, particularly daughters Julia and Claudia Barretto, despite their decision to legally use their mother's surname.

His remarks came after Julia and Claudia filed a petition to change their surname from Baldivia—Dennis' real surname—to Barretto, the surname of their mother, actress Marjorie Barretto.

Speaking to entertainment reporters during the Maddox Iconic Runway Diamond Jewelry Fashion Show 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on July 30, Dennis admitted that the decision was painful but said he has chosen to respond with understanding.

“Well, ganu’n naman talaga. Habang tumatawid ka sa mga pagsubok, kailangan tawiran mo lang siya with dignity, tawiran mo lang siya ng buong tapang. Sigurado akong nababasa naman ng Panginoon kung ano ang laman ng puso mo,” he said.

The actor said he respects his children's decisions now that they are adults and remains hopeful that they can mend their relationship.

“All of them are adults. They can decide. Sabi ko nga, sa magulang, kung ano man ang desisyon na iyon, kapag masaya ang anak, automatic, masaya ang magulang. I’m still hoping na sana before September magkausap man lang kami,” he added.

Asked about critics who accuse him of using his children to stay in the public eye, Dennis said he respects both positive and negative opinions.

“Respeto na lang din natin iyong mga negative or positive opinions. Respect their opinions. Pilipino tayo, nagbibigayan tayo ng respeto sa opinyon ng bawat isa.”
He also denied making indirect posts about his family on social media.

“Never naman ako nagpaparinig sa social media. Nagpo-post ako, ano ba ang mga posts ko? Happy birthday. Merry Christmas. Happy Valentine’s.”

Dennis and Marjorie Barretto also have a son, Leon. Marjorie's eldest daughter, Dani Barretto, is from her previous relationship with actor Kier Legaspi.

Dennis and Marjorie were married for 12 years before separating in 2007. Their marriage was annulled two years later. Since then, the actor has had a strained relationship with his children, although he has repeatedly expressed his desire to reconcile with them.

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