Parents of Aguilar’s girlfriend express support for couple

MANILA, Philippines – Parents of Freddie Aguilar’s under-aged girlfriend aired their thoughts regarding their daughter’s relationship in an interview with Buzz ng Bayan on Sunday, October 27.

The 16-year-old girl’s mother Violeta confessed the relationship initially caused conflict between her and her daughter. But Violeta and her husband Joel eventually decided to give their consent for fear of rebellion from their child.

“Ang tagal naming pinag-usapan ‘yan at halos pagkagalitan pa naming mag-ina ‘yan. Talagang pinagtatalunan namin,” she told Buzz ng Bayan. “Kung pipigilan ko lalong magwawala ‘yan e, baka lalong mas mapariwara ang buhay.”

(We discussed it for a long time. We really argued about it. But if we stop her, it would only make her more rebellious. It might destroy her life.)

Public furor over the 60-year-old singer’s relationship with the young girl recently erupted, prompting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to initiate an investigation to ensure the child’s welfare. 

Aside from this, Inquirer reported that Fernando Perito, a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, filed a qualified seduction case against the veteran musician on Thursday, October 24.

Aguilar challenged the DSWD to prove that he abused his partner. He also denied the allegations in the Inquirer article, saying he never deceived his girlfriend.

Aguilar maintained he asked for and was given approval by the child’s parents, whose only worry, he said, was that they thought him to be a womanizer.

Happy and supportive

The parents claimed that they are now happy with the relationship because it made their child more mature and respectful.

But the two admitted they are affected by backlash from the public.

“Ayoko po kasi ng laging may naririnig na kung anu-ano. Masakit, hindi naman totoo. Ayoko ng ganitong buhay,” said Violeta, referring to comments claiming their daughter is in the relationship for money.

(I don’t like hearing bad things about it. It hurts because what they’re saying isn’t true. I don’t want this kind of life.)

Still, they offer their support and well wishes for Aguilar and their daughter.

“Susuportahan ko lang po ang anak ko, basta po sa ikabubuti nila,” Joel said.

The young girl, referred to as “Babe” in the interview, became emotional upon seeing how the situation affected her parents.

“Pero nakikita ko kasi kung paano sila maapektuhan. Tuwing tatawag ako, ‘Okay lang ba kayo?’ Sinasabi nila, ‘okay lang kami, ‘wag mo kaming intindihin,'” said Babe.

(I see how this is affecting them. Whenever I call them, I ask, “Are you okay?” They just say, “We’re okay, don’t worry about us.”)

She thanked her parents for their support. “Salamat dahil hindi nila kami iniiwan. Nandiyan sila, sinusuportahan ako, sinusuportahan kami. Mahal na mahal ko kayo.“

(Thank you for not abandoning us. They are there to support me, to support us. I love them very, very much.) – With reports from Ira Agting/Rappler.com