Netizens revive Patrick Garcia, Paolo Contis’ past child support issues amid Father’s Day feature

John Lloyd Cruz, their “Tabing Ilog” co-star, earns praise.

A Father’s Day magazine feature on Paolo Contis, Patrick Garcia, and John Lloyd Cruz drew mixed reactions online—with some netizens revisiting the controversies of Contis and Garcia years ago.

The Modern Parenting special, released on June 21, looked back on the trio’s journey, from being “boys” in the 1999 teen drama “Tabing Ilog” to their lives as “dads” today. Baron Geisler was supposed to join the shoot but couldn’t due to a taping conflict.

The feature gained traction on Reddit community “r/ChikaPH,” where a post titled “Weird Choice for a Father’s Day Special” saw commenters questioning the editorial decision. Some pointed to Contis and Garcia’s past issues surrounding parenting and child support.

“Luh? Isang di nagsusustento at isang dineny ang anak????? For father’s day special???” one user said.

“Daming tatay dyan jusko!” another user said.

Contis, in a January 2023 “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” guesting, addressed his shortcomings as a father to his two daughters with Lian Paz, and another with LJ Reyes.

Though not in a formal co-parenting setup, Contis has occasionally joined Paz and her husband, basketball player John Cabahug, in family outings. Last February, Paz told Abunda that Contis had reached out to them—and that she has since forgiven him.

Reyes, meanwhile, is now based in New York with her husband, businessman Philip Evangelista. Concerns regarding Summer are reportedly handled through legal channels.

Garcia also faced public scrutiny over his 2008 breakup with Jennylyn Mercado—and her pregnancy. In interviews that time, he said he was trying to resolve matters privately, while she expressed frustration over his “no comment” responses to questions regarding paternity.

In 2012, Garcia denied rumors that he wasn’t providing child support, though he acknowledged instances when he lacked money. The following year, he said Mercado didn’t allow him to see their son after he was unable to provide for months.

Over the years, the two have since maintained a more cordial co-parenting setup—and have shown support for each other’s respective families.

In the feature, Contis said he “wants to do everything he can, most especially for his children.” Garcia spoke about raising his daughters with wife Nikki Martinez, describing them as “daddy’s girls.”

Cruz, meanwhile, stood out in the online discussion, earning praise for his co-parenting setup with Ellen Adarna.

“Bagay na si Loydie lang ang nakatayo dahil siya lang naman ang tumayong tatay talaga sa kanilang tatlo,” a commenter said.

In 2023, Adarna spoke positively about Cruz, saying he tries to give more than the amount she asks for. In 2025, she called him “honest,” a “very good provider,” and a “very present father.”

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