Actress and influencer Chie Filomeno has appealed for respect for her private life, following rumors linking her to Cebu businessman Matthew Lhuillier.
In an Instagram Story posted on Monday, Sept. 29, Filomeno addressed the speculation, stressing that her past relationship with actor Jake Cuenca, her current personal life, and the Lhuillier family should not be involved in the issue.
“I’ve been reading and hearing a lot these past few days and I ask that my past relationship, my present life, and the Lhuillier family be left out of this issue. They don’t deserve to be dragged into something that has nothing to do with them,” she wrote.
Filomeno further noted that she would not issue any additional statements, asking the public to stop speculating or intruding into her private affairs.
“I may be a public figure, but I am not public property. I ask that my private life remain private,” she added.
The rumors began when Xian Gaza alleged that Lhuillier was Filomeno’s new partner, shortly after she and Cuenca unfollowed each other on Instagram—sparking talk that their relationship had ended. Neither Filomeno, Cuenca, nor Lhuillier have confirmed or denied the claims.
Lhuillier, a graduate of Pepperdine University in California, is currently chief operations officer of ML Food Products, a subsidiary of the M. Lhuillier Group of Companies. He also co-founded Bisaya Brew Premium Craft Beer with his father, Michael Lhuillier.
Speculation grew further when Filomeno promoted Bisaya Brew on her Instagram Story last Sept. 22, writing: “Not a fan of beer normally but gaaahdeym this @bisayabrew changed it. Lami kaayo ni nga beer, way atik (This beer is really good, no joke).”
As of now, the parties involved have remained silent, with Filomeno standing firm on her request to keep her personal matters out of the public eye.
