'No ill will': Gelli de Belen clarifies stance on Patrick-Jennylyn issue
MANILA, Philippines — Actress Gelli de Belen reitererated that she did not take any sides in the issue between exes Patrick Garcia and Jennylyn Mercado following the reaction of the latter's husband, Dennis Trillo, on how she addressed the topic.
Everything stems from an interview of Patrick with showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz released last September 29, where the actor brought up his relationship with Jennylyn, who is the mother of his son Alex Jazz.
Gelli was asked about the interview while on "Chika Cart" with Jeff Fernando, Baninay and Donita Nose earlier last month. The actress-host then shared that the issue should not have been blown out of propotion, noting it began when Patrick's daughter, 13-year-old daughter Michelle, was getting bashed for his past actions.
"Sana 'wag nating kalimutan na may mga batang pinag-uusapan at sila talaga ang pinaka-importante dahil 'yung mga magulang, mga nakatatanda, nakapag-move on na sila sa mga buhay nila," she said then. "Let's show the young ones what is right, what should be done, and not show them all this bad stuff."
Portions of Gelli's responses were posted on social media, some of which Dennis addressed in now-deleted comments by criticizing what was said.
"Nananahimik kami… lahat yan ay natural na reaksyon ng matinong TAO! Pasalamat kayo, dinaan ko na lang sa ganyan," Dennis said. "Oo kawawa talaga ang mga bata, may mga anak din kami! Sisihin mo 'yung nagsimula ng gulo!"
Related: ‘Nananahimik kami’: Dennis Trillo reacts to Gelli de Belen’s remark on Patrick-Jennylyn issue
Clarification
Gelli cleared the air on her "Wala Pa Kaming Title" podcast with fellow actresses Carmina Villaroel, Candy Pangilinan, and sister Janice de Belen in an episode published last October 11.
Carmina and Janice both agreed it was time for Gelli to explain her case, and the actress laid out the scenario that she was asked to comment on a portion of the initial Patrick Garcia interview shown to her and some public reactions.
She noted the numerous violent reactions to what Patrick had shared and because children of both parties were involved, their safeguard and security became her point of focus.
Apart from Alex Jazz, Jennylyn has a daughter named Dylan with Dennis, while Patrick has four kids, including Michelle, with Nikka Martinez.
"Mind you, hindi naman talaga ako kasali doon sa issue," Gelli said. "Nagkataon lang na may pino-promote ako, iyon ang issue, sinagot ko. Ang pinaka-focus ko lang talaga doon is the children.
Gelli also pointed out that her response was as someone who is a mother herself and witnessed the experiences of friends who are single parents or separated from their partners.
"Wala akong kinakampihan or kinampihan even on that very day, at that very time. Even [now] feeling ko naman wala namang masama na maging concerned tayo sa magiging effect nito sa mga bata. 'Yun ang pinaka-goal ko lang. I do not have ill will towards anybody. I know I meant well," said Gelli, now teary-eyed.
Support
Gelli's co-hosts expressed their support for the actress, with Candy sharing that Gelli was a witness to a Violence Against Women and Children case she filed in the past.
Candy shared that the case was successful because she sought support, and the incident might have been in Gelli's mind when she gave her initial thoughts.
"Alam niyang nag-move forward ako. Si-net aside ko kung anuman 'yung ill feelings and nag-focus ako doon sa bata. I think doon siya nanggagaling," Candy shared.
Carmina hoped that issue would come to an end and everyone would move on, asking Janice if she had any input for her younger sister.
"Gusto ko lang naman masabi ni Gelli 'yung side niya. Kasi if I were there, I probably would have the same concern," Janice said. "The grown-ups can take care of themselves, but the children are a different story."
The entire portion of the video went without any of the co-hosts mentioning the names of the involved parties.— Video from the "Wala Pa Kaming Title" YouTube channel
RELATED: Dennis Trillo takes a dig at Patrick Garcia, reiterates end to bashing
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