MANILA, Philippines — Diane Abby Tupaz, wife of actor Niño Muhlach, defended him after a motorcycle rider accused the actor of failing to replace his damaged motorcycle three weeks after a road crash in Antipolo City.
Nicolas Villanueva made the accusation in a now-deleted Facebook post Sunday, Sept. 13. He claimed Muhlach had not replaced his motorcycle and said the accident had prevented him from returning to work.
Tupaz responded Monday, Sept. 14, saying social media posts made it appear that Muhlach had provided no assistance to Villanueva.
She said that claim was false and that Muhlach had provided Villanueva and his family with medical support and money for daily expenses.
Tupaz details assistance
Tupaz said Muhlach had continued monitoring Villanueva’s medical treatment since he was hospitalized after the accident.
She said Muhlach made sure doctors attended to Villanueva and provided him with the medicines he needed.
Tupaz also said Muhlach provided money for food, groceries and transportation, as well as school allowance for Villanueva’s daughter.
She said Muhlach would also replace the damaged motorcycle and was not avoiding responsibility.
Regarding the insurance claim, Tupaz said the insurance company had attempted to contact Villanueva the previous week but claimed he had not communicated with the insurer.
Accident occurred in August
The dispute followed an Aug. 23 crash along Marcos Highway in Barangay Mambugan, Antipolo City, Rizal.
Muhlach was driving an SUV when it crossed into the opposite lane and struck several roadside establishments, including an eatery. Villanueva was among those affected.
Police initially cited possible mechanical trouble as a factor in the crash. Muhlach later said he fell asleep while driving because of an “extremely demanding and exhausting schedule.”
The actor said his regular driver was off that Sunday, so he drove the vehicle himself.
Villanueva went to a hospital after the crash. Muhlach visited him Aug. 25 and said the rider had bruises and cuts on his legs but no fractures.
Muhlach apologized to Villanueva and his family and said he would continue supporting his recovery.
The Land Transportation Office later issued a show-cause order against Muhlach and imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on his driver’s license. Authorities also placed the vehicle involved in the crash under alarm status.
