Kapuso actress-comedienne Pokwang has opened up about her challenging past relationship with Lee O’Brian, the father of her youngest daughter, Malia.
During an emotional interview with showbiz columnist and friend Ogie Diaz, Pokwang shared her experiences and the stress she endured during her pregnancy.
Pokwang revealed that tensions began when she discovered Lee’s frequent interactions with other women on social media. She confronted him about liking suggestive photos, but his response was far from supportive. According to Pokwang, Lee cursed at her and even poured water on her while she was resting.
Despite her delicate condition, Pokwang once considered leaving their home due to the strain of their relationship. She recalled, “Pero hindi ako hinanap, kusa akong umuwi kasi si Mae Mae nag-internship sa Europe. Nagtataka si Mae-Mae, ‘Asan ka ba? Ba’t ganiyan-ganiyan?’ Umuwi na lang ako kasi baka makahalata ‘yung bata. Ayoko mag-alala anak ko kasi nasa malayo siya, e. Umuwi ako never ako hinanap niyan.”
Pokwang also disclosed that the stress from their tumultuous relationship led to several near-miscarriages. “Ilang beses akong muntik makunan. Ilang beses akong nakunan dahil sa stress sa kanya. Kung hindi ko pinaglaban si Malia, na ini-injection ako ng pampa kapit, walang Malia dahil sa stress ko sa kaniya. Pinaglaban ko lang, ‘di ba?,” she said.
While Lee showed some changes after Malia’s birth, Pokwang described him as an irresponsible father and partner. “Mahal niya dahil bata. Pero ‘yung ginampanan niya pagiging ama, never. Hindi nga siya nag-effort na mag-ayos kami ulit, ‘di ba? Kung talagang mahal niya ‘yung anak niya. Kung talagang mahal niya kami gagawa ng effort ‘yan. Parang feeling ko gumawa siya ng paraan para makaalis,” she expressed.
Pokwang admitted that she kept these issues from her friends, family, and the public because she wanted to fix their family. However, the continuous strain eventually led to their separation. She emphasized that she has no plans to hide the truth from her daughter. “Wala naman akong isisikreto sa kaniya, e. Ako, sa mga anak ko lahat ng nangyari sa buhay ko kahit si Mae Mae, alam nila wala akong sinesekreto,” she said.
In her message to others in similar situations, Pokwang urged them to fight for their children. “Unang una, lumaban kayo hindi dahil mahal mo pa siya, hindi. Lalo na kapag may anak kayo. ‘Yung karapatan nu’ng bata,” she advised.
