Linda Marie Gorton Debunks Ex-Partner Dennis Padilla's Claims: 'We Don't Have A Co-Parenting Setup'

Linda Marie Gorton, actor Dennis Padilla's ex-partner, denied having a "formal conversation" about co-parenting with him. She claimed that Dennis is the only one still in contact with their children, Maddie and Gavin.

The Filipino-Australian beauty queen took to Instagram to refute Dennis' statements in a recent interview with Aster Amoyo, where he said that he and Linda were co-parenting their children and that he was providing child support. He also mentioned that he had applied for a visa to visit them in Australia.

"We don't have a co-parenting setup; since we parted ways in July of 2020, we never had a formal conversation about our separation and how we will raise our kids. Basta nakakausap niya lang ang mga bata," Linda wrote on April 28

As for child support, Linda mentioned that there is some, but she emphasized the lapses on the actor-comedian's part, to the point where she still has to "persistently ask" for financial help.

"Consistency in child support wasn't always the case. Through the years, there were many lapses in between. And many times I had to, and still have to persistently ask for it kasi kung papabayaan ko, matagal at kulang-kulang ang padala," she said.

Linda, who has been a single mom for some time, continued, "Because I also work here, ako ang nagpuno sa mga pagkukulang na iyon."

She's based in Australia with her eldest, Rizzi, Gavin, and Maddie.

"The support he gives to the children, when spent here, lumiit na kasi the actual cost of living in Australia is far more expensive compared to the Philippines. And not to mention they go to school here for free. No tuition fees are needed because they both attend a public school. So less expense for him really," she further explained.

Linda also opened up about the sacrifices she's made for her children. She said, "A lot of my time for the kids is sacrificed because I need to work. But I can't complain because I love my kids dearly. I would do anything and everything maging mabuti, maayos, at masaya lang sila."

Linda Marie Gorton and Dennis Padilla

Linda and Dennis started dating in 2008, a year after the actor's split with celebrity Marjorie Barretto.

In her post, the former Mrs. Universe Australia clarified that beyond misunderstandings, there were more reasons behind their separation in 2020.

"It was never about financial problems. I stayed with him for almost 12 years, mayroon man kami o walang pera. I stayed for him, and I stayed for the kids because I wanted a complete family for all of us. But just like most things in life, you can't have everything you want," she explained. Despite this, Linda said she learned the value of speaking the truth after their split.

"In the end, if there were many new things that he learned in life just like he said, so did I. I learned more about self-worth, patience, understanding, and to only speak the truth," the mom of three concluded.

Learn more about the country's child support laws in our comprehensive guide.