MANILA, Philippines — Actor Archie Alemania said differences over marital roles contributed to his separation from actress Gee Canlas as he spoke publicly about their relationship and defended his role as a husband and father.
In an interview with Ogie Diaz published on YouTube over the weekend, Alemania responded to Canlas’ March interview in which she said she wished she had left their marriage earlier and had lost parts of herself during the relationship.
Alemania said he believed Canlas should have ended the marriage earlier, saying he wanted to avoid further conflict between them.
He said he and Canlas, who are both Christians, held different expectations about their roles as husband and wife.
Alemania cited his interpretation of Christian teachings that a husband should lead the household while loving his wife and that a wife should submit to her husband. He said conflicts arose because both of them wanted to take the leading role in the relationship.
The actor also said he felt blamed during arguments, even when he believed Canlas had contributed to their conflicts. He said he tried to avoid escalating disagreements, partly because of their son, Caleb.
Alemania said he considered himself a devoted husband and father and claimed that he remained faithful to Canlas during their marriage.
He also said he felt sad about not seeing his son but described his life after the separation as more peaceful.
“I’m happy now and mas peaceful in a sense sa relasyon,” Alemania said. “Mas tahimik. Mas okay ako ngayon. Intindihin ko muna ang sarili ko.”
Alemania denies Rita Daniela allegations
Alemania also continued to deny singer-actress Rita Daniela’s allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances toward her.
He said he could not have committed the act and maintained that he had never sexually harassed anyone.
A court previously found Alemania guilty of acts of lasciviousness in the case involving Daniela and sentenced him to jail.
