MANILA — Actress Ellen Adarna said she and actor John Lloyd Cruz have maintained a stable co-parenting relationship for their son Elias, adding that Cruz provides financial support for their child but has no obligation to support her.
Adarna discussed her co-parenting arrangement with Cruz during an episode of “Kuan on One” hosted by Melai Cantiveros.
“Depende ‘yan sa partner [ko],” Adarna said in Cebuano, explaining that she usually reciprocates how her partner treats her.
She cited her past relationship with Cruz as an example.
“Even with JL before, nung naghiwalay kami, magulo rin ‘yon for a time pero ngayon okay na kami. Matagal na kaming okay, bago pa ako kinasal,” she said, referring to her marriage to actor Derek Ramsay.
Adarna acknowledged that co-parenting comes with challenges, particularly when parents have differing views.
“May challenges talaga ang co-parenting,” she said. “Nakakainis minsan kasi may gusto siyang gawin pero ikaw, iba naman ang gusto mo.”
Despite their differences, Adarna said she and Cruz make an effort not to let disagreements escalate into conflicts.
She also clarified that the financial support Cruz provides is intended for their son.
“Hindi niya ako obligation,” Adarna said. “Hindi naman kami kasal ni JL. Wala siyang pakialam sa akin.”
Adarna said she and Cruz consider themselves fortunate because Elias has grown up to be a well-behaved child.
“Makakasabi na lang kami ni John Lloyd na, ‘Anong ginawa natin at bakit sobrang bait niya?’” she said.
“Hindi matigas ang ulo ni Elias. Hindi nagmana sa akin,” she added.
Adarna and Cruz have recently been seen traveling with Elias and Cruz’s girlfriend, artist Isabel Santos.
Adarna has also spoken positively about Santos, previously describing her as the “best stepmom.”
The interview aired days after Santos shared cryptic posts on Instagram that appeared to refer to emotional struggles during her six-year relationship with Cruz. Santos has since deactivated her Instagram account.