Yulo calls for ‘healing,’ ‘moving on’ in family feud

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo has broken his silence on the reported family feud and asked for “healing” and “moving on” for the parties involved.

In a seven-minute video posted on TikTok yesterday, Yulo appeared beside girlfriend Chloe San Jose as he tried to answer the issues and the alleged rift with his mother, Angelica Poquiz Yulo.

Yulo narrated several instances regarding some financial issues that affected his relationship with his mother, and defended his girlfriend from criticism.

In the end, the champion gymnast said he wants everybody to be happy.

“Ang message ko po talaga sa inyo, Ma, na mag-heal kayo, mag-move on at napatawad ko na kayo (I have forgiven you) a long time ago po,” he said.

“Pinagpe-pray ko na maging safe kayo palagi at nasa maayos kayong kalagayan diyan lahat. Tigilan na po natin ito at i-celebrate na lang po natin ’yung mga ginawa pong paghihirap at pagsasakripisyo ng bawat atletang Pilipino dito sa Olympics,” Yulo added.

NBI’s help

Yulo’s mother will seek the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to address those spreading false statements about her and the Yulo family, her legal counsel said Monday.

Angelica Poquiz, through her lawyer Raymond Fortun, clarified that any statements attributed to her or her children that criticize or disparage the achievements of her son are false.

“The public is hereby informed that all statements attributed to Mrs. Yulo and/or any of her children that are critical of, disparaging or tend to tarnish the accomplishments of her son, Carlos Edriel Yulo, are untrue, fake and mere products of imagination and fantasy by heretofore unknown individuals,” Fortun said in a statement.

False statements include fabricated posts allegedly made by Carlos’ mother.

He added that Angelica plans to seek the NBI’s help in identifying these individuals and will file appropriate charges against them for violating Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law.

Fortun also reminded the public that sharing fake posts and making harsh or libelous comments are actionable under the same law. “It is advisable that the public delete their comments to avoid prosecution,” Fortun said.

The lawyer also said that Angelica acknowledged giving two interviews to mainstream media, regretting that only her comments regarding her son’s relationship with San Jose were uploaded.

She emphasized that the Yulo family shares the nation’s pride in Carlos’ achievements and looks forward to welcoming him home.

Fortun quoted Angelica as saying: “Good for him because this is what he’s been dreaming of and this is what he’s been waiting for and all his hardships have paid off.”

P20 million incentive

The state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) will be giving a P20-million cash reward to Yulo as part of added incentives and benefits for athletes, as mandated by law.

“Pagcor is mandated to give an athlete who wins gold P10 million. And because he has two golds, Mr. Yulo is now entitled to have a total of P20 million,” PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco told the House appropriations committee led by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Tengco explained the substantial cash reward is in compliance with the law under the cash incentives and retirement benefits to national athletes and coaches, pursuant to the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (Republic Act 10699).

Yulo won gold in floor and vault events in men’s artistic gymnastics in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

At the same time, Tengco said that Yulo’s coach and personal trainer will receive P5-million incentive for every gold medal won – or P10 million each.

The House, under Speaker Martin Romualdez, has also assured Yulo of at least P6 million in cash.

The Olympian will also get a P32-million condo unit and P3-million cash from property developer Megaworld, at its premier residential properties inside McKinley Hill in Bonifacio Global City. — Delon Porcalla