MANILA, Philippines — Actor Dennis Trillo publicly denied rumors alleging tension between his wife, actress Jennylyn Mercado, and his family after claims circulated online earlier this month, prompting him to issue a statement defending his spouse.
The rumors surfaced after entertainment host Ogie Diaz shared a message from an anonymous source in his Jan. 9 vlog, claiming that Mercado was not on good terms with Trillo’s parents and sisters. The source alleged that Mercado had not seen or greeted her in-laws for years and had prevented Trillo from spending time with his family.
The same source claimed that when Trillo’s father was hospitalized last year, the actor only sent a video message. It also alleged that Trillo once set a lunch meeting with his parents but asked his sisters not to attend because Mercado allegedly did not want to see them. The source said Trillo continued to support his elderly parents, who live in Taytay, Rizal.
Trillo addressed the allegations in a Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 11, describing Mercado as “one of the best people” in his life and saying it was his privilege to have her as his life partner.
“Sa mga hindi po nakakakilala sa aking asawa, isa siya sa pinakamabuting tao sa buhay ko. Isang pribilehiyo na ako ang pinili niyang makasama habang buhay,” Trillo wrote.
He also asked the public to spare his parents from speculation, noting that they are elderly and not public figures.
“Ang mga magulang ko naman ay may edad na po. Hindi din sila showbiz at tahimik lang sila na namumuhay… ‘wag naman sana sila bigyan ng isyu,” he said.
Trillo said he maintains good relationships with his wife, parents, and sisters, adding that they are unable to see each other frequently due to their schedules. He also urged the public to focus on more pressing national concerns.
“Mahal na mahal ko po silang lahat at maayos ang samahan namin kahit ‘di man kami madalas nagkakasama dahil sadyang busy ang aming mga schedules,” Trillo said.
Trillo and Mercado are among the country’s most prominent celebrity couples and married in 2021.