Actor-comedian Dennis Padilla said he has accepted the decision of his daughters, Julia and Claudia Barretto, to no longer use his surname, saying they are now adults who have every right to make their own choices.
Speaking to entertainment reporters during the Maddox Iconic Runway: Diamond Jewelry Fashion Show in Mandaluyong City on July 30, Padilla said a parent’s happiness ultimately depends on the happiness of their children.
“All of them are adults. They can decide [on their own]. Sabi ko nga, sa magulang, kung ano man ang desisyon na iyon, kapag masaya ang anak, automatic, masaya ang magulang,” he said.
Claudia recently filed a petition to remove “Baldivia,” Padilla’s real surname, from her legal name. Her older sister Julia previously filed a similar petition in 2015. Both chose to retain the surname Barretto, which they inherited from their mother, actress Marjorie Barretto.
Padilla admitted it was easier for him to accept the decision now that his daughters have reached adulthood.
“Kaya mas madali ko matanggap kasi alam ko na dati kasi underage, 2017 o 2018. Siyempre mga underage pa sila eh. Pero ngayon dahil adults na sila mas madali na sila makapag-decide so with that happy ako for them,” he said.
Despite the long-running rift within their family, Padilla said he continues to hope for reconciliation with his children before Claudia’s postponed court hearing in September.
“I’m still hoping na sana before September magka-usap man lang kami. I hope one day makapag-dinner tayo or lunch. Kahit 1 or 2 hours na makapagkwentuhan lang tayo,” he said.
The actor also confirmed that he and his former wife, Marjorie Barretto, have not spoken in years and declined to speculate on whether they might eventually reconcile.
When asked how he has been coping with the challenges in his personal life, Padilla said he chooses to face them with faith and dignity.
“Well, ganun naman talaga, e. Dahil siyempre habang tumatawid ka sa mga pagsubok, kailangan tawiran mo lang siya with dignity. Tawiran mo lang siya nang buong tapang. At sigurado ako na nababasa naman ng Panginoon kung ano ang laman ng puso mo, e. Alam ng Panginoon kung nagsisinungaling ka. Alam ng Panginoon kung saan papunta ang isip mo. So waiting lang ako kung ano ang magiging result sa mga challenges na iyan.”
Padilla also dismissed accusations from some critics that he is using his children to remain in the public eye, saying he respects both positive and negative opinions.
“E, respetuhin na lang natin iyung mga negatibo or positive opinion, respect. Respect their opinion. Ganun tayo, Pilipino tayo. Nagbibigayan tayo ng respeto sa bawat opinion ng bawat isa. Ganun tayong mga Pinoy, e.”
He admitted that online criticism used to affect him but said he has since learned to laugh it off.
“Dati, oo, pumapatol ako dati. Pero wala, nakakapagod. Saka sayang ang load!”
Finally, Padilla stressed that while his daughters may no longer carry his surname, nothing can change the fact that he is their father.
“Hindi naman mawawala iyun, hindi naman mawawala iyun. Kaya nga sabi ko, with or without the family name, I’m happy for my children.”
