Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson has broken his silence on rumors romantically linking him to Kapuso actress Jillian Ward, calling the talk nothing more than baseless gossip.
During a media interview on October 14, 2025, Singson, 84, was asked about circulating blind items implying that he and the 20-year-old actress were getting “close.” The veteran politician and businessman quickly dismissed the speculation.
“Marites lang ‘yon. Marites lang,” Singson said with a laugh.
“Naririnig ko nga ‘yan. Marami nang nali-link sa akin, pero puro Marites ‘yon,” he clarified.
The former governor was previously rumored to have fathered a child with actress Yen Santos, an issue he also denied. However, when pressed during the interview if he indeed had a past relationship with Yen, Chavit only smiled and quipped, “Next question,” followed by a laugh—prompting more curiosity from the press.
Despite the persistent rumors, Singson kept the conversation light and reiterated that he is currently single but open to finding a life partner.
“Talagang naghahanap ako ngayon ng pwedeng mapakasalan para may mag-aalaga naman sa akin. Para sa pagbibiyahe-biyahe ko, may makasama ako. Kahit na sino, basta maganda ang puso,” he said.
“Ang gusto ko mabait. Hindi na ako mamimili basta mabait siya. Paano ka aalagaan kung hindi mabait?” he added with a chuckle.
Singson also shared that he remains active in business and entertainment production, even after experiencing setbacks.
“’Yung isang na-finance ko, awa ng Diyos, tumakbo na. Itinakbo lahat ng pera. Wala tayong magawa, tinakbuhan tayo,” he revealed, referring to a previous film project.
Nonetheless, he continues to co-produce movies in partnership with GMA Pictures, including ‘Samahan ng mga Makasalanan’, released earlier this year. A follow-up project is already in development.
The businessman also expressed concern about the impact of corruption and recent calamities on international collaborations.
“Natatakot na sila ngayon sa mga nangyayari. Lahat, pati si [Korean actor] Lee Seung-gi,” Singson said.
“Magtatayo ka dito ng parang Hollywood, na-postpone lahat, pati ‘yung mga funding ng Koreano. Kailangan tumahimik muna raw,” he added.
He even mentioned that Jean-Claude Van Damme recently visited him in Ilocos and expressed interest in filming a project in the Philippines.
“Si Van Damme, kagagaling lang dito. Nagpunta siya sa bahay, gusto niyang mag-shooting. Kagagaling niya sa akin two months ago, pero anytime, pupunta siya. Nasa Hong Kong lang siya,” Singson shared.
As for the Jillian Ward rumors, Singson was firm — there’s no truth behind them.
“Marites lang talaga ‘yon,” he repeated, ending the issue once and for all.
