Ai-Ai, estranged husband face off in court

MANILA, Philippines - Actress-comedian Ai-Ai delas Alas yesterday faced his estranged husband Jed Salang during the preliminary hearing of the case she filed against him before a Quezon City court.

Delas Alas earlier charged Salang with violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004 after she accused him of physically abusing her.

The comedian is also asking the court to issue a permanent protection order against her former husband.

The former couple separately left the courtroom immediately after the hearing. They refused to comment on the case due to a gag order issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 94 Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria.

Their lawyers, Minerva Ambrosio for Delas Alas and Joel Ferrer for Salang, declined interview requests from the media.

Following the hearing, Delas Alas was seen flanked by at least three guards as she exited the Quezon City Hall of Justice.

The court earlier granted her request for a 30-day temporary protection order (TPO) against Salang.

The law states that the court may grant the TPO “on the date of filing of the application after ex parte determination that such order should be issued.”

Ambrosio confirmed in an earlier interview with ABS-CBN’s The Buzz that Delas Alas requested for a TPO on May 24.

She said in the interview aired on May 26 that Salang will be prohibited to approach her client for about “100 to 500 meters” once the TPO is issued.

Delas Alas and Salang were married in Las Vegas last April 3.

The comedian confirmed their break up a month later.

She said they broke up on May 2 after Salang physically abused her when she refused to celebrate their “monthsary” in a casino.

Salang declined to issue statements regarding Delas Alas’ allegations against him.