Dennis Padilla’s seemingly heartfelt birthday greeting to daughter Claudia Barretto reignited criticism online, with netizens quick to recall the drama that unfolded during her wedding earlier this year.
On July 26, the veteran actor and comedian posted a throwback photo with Claudia on Instagram, captioned simply: “Happiiii bday anak.” The image also bore the message, “Happiiii bday Claui.. God bless you more.” However, the post was deleted just hours later after drawing a wave of negative comments.
Many were quick to call out Dennis, questioning the sincerity of his gesture. “Sabi mo stop na pero ito ka na naman,” one user commented, while another wrote, “Papansin ka na naman, sa tingin mo pagkatapos ng ginawa mo sa wedding niya, ok pa rin kayo?”
The backlash stems from an emotional outburst Dennis had during Claudia’s wedding to longtime partner Basti Lorenzo last April. The actor previously aired his grievances in an interview with Ogie Diaz, where he lamented not being asked to walk his daughter down the aisle, claiming he felt “disrespected” and “rejected.”
In that interview, Dennis said: “Ayoko na. Surrender na. I’m finished. Tatay na lang nila ako pero bringing back the relationship, wala na siguro. Maybe we can just play around with the memories pero that’s it, finished.”
He added: “Napagod na. I thought hindi mapapagod… I think I will carry it to my funeral… This is a permanent goodbye.”
Despite these statements, Dennis’s birthday greeting—though brief—seemed to hint at an attempt to reconnect. Unfortunately, the gesture was met with skepticism.
Still, some netizens came to his defense. One supporter wrote, “Ang pagmamahal ng magulang sa anak ay unending yan. God bless your heart, Sir Dennis.” Another added, “Para sa tunay na magulang… anuman ang nangyari, magulang pa rin yan. May mga bagay ka na masasabi na akala mo kaya mo panindigan, pero ama ka lang na labis na nangungulila sa anak.”
The deleted post has since made the rounds online via screenshots, keeping the controversy alive.
In contrast, Claudia’s mother Marjorie Barretto posted a warm, public birthday greeting:“Happy Birthday dearest Claudia. I love watching you grow into every season of your life with so much grace and strength. Behind and beside you always. I love you!”
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With Dennis staying silent once again and his post now erased, questions remain: Has there been any real reconciliation between father and daughter? Or was this another failed attempt at mending a broken relationship in the public eye?
