Jennylyn Mercado and Patrick Garcia address past relationship controversy

Actor Patrick Garcia has broken an 18-year silence regarding his past relationship and breakup with actress Jennylyn Mercado. In an interview with Ogie Diaz, Garcia addressed long-standing allegations that he abandoned Mercado during her pregnancy with their son, Alex Jazz, in 2008. Garcia denied these claims, stating that he was not present during the pregnancy because Mercado did not want him involved at the time.

Garcia explained that his decision to speak out was prompted by his eldest daughter, Michelle, who faced online backlash related to her father's past. In response, Mercado’s management, Aguila Entertainment, issued a statement noting that the actress will not be granting interviews or commenting on the matter. The agency stated that Mercado is choosing to remain silent out of respect for the privacy and peace of mind of both families.

Mercado’s husband, Dennis Trillo, expressed support for the family and called for an end to online bashing, urging the public to ‘spread LOVE not Hate.’ Additionally, Patrick Garcia’s wife, Nikka Garcia, posted messages of support for her husband on social media amid the renewed public scrutiny.