Marjorie Barretto has broken her silence to defend her children against the public criticism sparked by her ex-husband Dennis Padilla's recent interviews.
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In an exclusive interview with Ogie Diaz, Marjorie addressed her ex-husband's "rants," which he posted online and shared through the media. The latest included a claim that he was tricked or "nabudol" after being invited as a guest to Claudia's private wedding, a remark that fueled backlash and controversy surrounding Marjorie's family.
"Wala siyang ginawa kundi magpa-interview. Magpapa-awa siya at miss daw niya ang children. I know he misses the children. But the point is napapahiya na ang mga bata. Nasasaktan sila na pinag-uusapan sila in public. Hindi niya sinisiraan pero binabash naman ang mga anak ko," Marjorie said.
She continued, "Lumaki na ang kwento, masyado nang makalat pero gusto niyang tumbukin is 'si Marjorie ang may pakay nitong lahat.' Let's just put it this way, Dennis and my children have been estranged for many, many years," she said. "Bakit sila estranged? Because for the past 10 years, wala nang ginawa si Dennis kundi magpa-interview nang magpa-interview."
As the interview went on, Marjorie recalled painful experiences from her past relationship with Dennis, revealing that she had allegedly endured not only verbal and financial abuse but also physical abuse—something she had kept silent about for 18 years.
Marjorie on choosing a partner
This led her to offer important advice to single women when it comes to choosing a partner.
"This is my advice to my children and to all single women: When you choose your future partner, and you start seeing red flags, think about whether you can live with that. He will be the future father of your children," Marjorie said.
"So choose wisely. Choose someone who treats you well, because that's the person who will be the father of your kids."
Marjorie also warned that ignoring troubling signs, like a partner's bad temper, could hurt the children more.
"If you see a bad temper, don't marry that person. Because the one who will get hurt, the one who will be shouted at, the one who will hear painful words, will be your children," she said.
She became emotional as she reflected on her own choices, apologizing to her kids for the difficult situation they've been put in because of her past decisions. Although she was able to leave the marriage, she expressed regret that her children would have to live with the consequences of their complicated relationship with their father.
"Sometimes I really apologize to my kids kasi sabi ko, I left the marriage. I had the luxury to leave your father. Sila, they're stuck for life. I'm so sorry I chose wrong," she said.
Despite her regrets, Marjorie's heartfelt message to her children was loud and clear: "I will love you enough, protect you enough, and be enough as both a father and a mother for all of you."
Click here for lessons we loved from celebrity single moms.
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