Film producer and lawyer Atty. Joji Alonzo has expressed support for Jennylyn Mercado amid renewed controversy involving her former partner, Patrick Garcia, highlighting the actress’ decision to raise their son, Jazz, while navigating the demands of her showbiz career.
In a social media post, Alonzo recalled knowing Jennylyn even before she won the reality talent competition ‘StarStruck’, describing her as a teenager who dreamed of providing a better life for her family.
While acknowledging that Jennylyn, like anyone else, is not perfect, Alonzo praised the actress for choosing to continue her pregnancy despite being at a promising stage in her career.
“She chose life – over fame and fortune,” Alonzo wrote.
The lawyer also recalled the challenges Jennylyn faced while raising Jazz as a single mother, including the additional responsibilities associated with her son’s special needs.
According to Alonzo, what stood out was Jennylyn’s decision not to publicly speak ill of Patrick despite the difficulties she had experienced over the years.
“Jen could have chosen to speak ill but she didn’t. She chose to protect the peace she gained and avoided hurting anyone else,” she said.
Alonzo also appeared to question Patrick’s role as a father, contrasting Jennylyn’s years of raising Jazz with the actor’s recent decision to revisit their past publicly.
“That says more than someone who had all of 18 years to be a father to his son,” she added.
Her remarks come after Patrick’s interview with showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, in which he disputed the long-standing claim that he abandoned Jennylyn during her pregnancy.
Patrick maintained that his absence was not because he refused to support the actress but because, according to his account, she did not want him involved at the time.
Jennylyn has opted not to publicly respond to his statements. Through Aguila Entertainment, the actress said she would rather respect the privacy and peace of mind of both families.
She also appealed to netizens to stop attacking Patrick’s family, particularly his daughter Michelle, who had reportedly been receiving negative comments connected to the controversy.