Actor stays hopeful for reunion, respects Julia and Claudia’s decision to keep Barretto name amid ongoing family rift.
Actor-comedian Dennis Padilla remains hopeful that he will eventually reconcile with his children, despite some of them choosing not to legally use his surname, Baldivia.
Speaking to the media, Dennis admitted that the situation has been painful, but said he chooses to face life’s challenges with faith, dignity, and courage.
“Well, gano’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.”
The actor’s remarks come following the recent legal petition of Claudia Barretto to remove “Baldivia” from her name, years after her sister Julia Barretto filed a similar petition in 2015. Both opted to retain the surname Barretto, that of their mother, Marjorie Barretto.
Despite the decisions made by some of his children, Dennis emphasized that they are all adults capable of making their own choices. He said a parent’s happiness ultimately lies in seeing their children happy, regardless of the circumstances.
“All of them are adults. They can decide [on their own]. Sabi ko nga, sa magulang, kung ano man ang desisyon na iyon, kapag masaya ang anak, automatic, masaya ang magulang.”
While acknowledging the emotional toll of the situation, Dennis said he has not given up hope that they will one day reconcile.
“I’m still hoping na sana before September magka-usap man lang kami.”
He also appealed to the public to respect differing opinions surrounding their family matters.
“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.”
Dennis likewise denied insinuations that he uses social media to send indirect messages to his children, saying his posts are limited to simple greetings and expressions of goodwill.
“Never naman ako nagpaparinig sa social media. Nagpo-post ako—ano ba ang mga posts ko? Happy birthday. Merry Christmas. Happy Valentine’s.”
It can be recalled that Dennis shared on Instagram a copy of Claudia’s court petition confirming her request to legally remove the Baldivia surname. Although saddened by the decision, he reiterated that his love for his daughter remains unchanged.
“Kung ang lungkot ko ay kasiyahan mo, anak… Hindi magbabago ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo, Claudia.”
He later added, “Love you, Claui. I respect your decision. Malungkot lang talaga.”
Dennis and Marjorie share three children—Julia, Claudia, and Leon—while Marjorie is also the mother of Dani Barretto with former actor Kier Legaspi and Erich with politician Recom Echiverri.
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