Ashley Rivera shares opinion on Jennylyn Mercado-Patrick Garcia issue

Ashley Rivera gave her two cents on the resurfaced issue of Jennylyn Mercado and Patrick Garcia following the latter's controversial interview with Ogie Diaz.

On the latest episode of "Kalurks," Ashley said "we are all free" to share our own truths.

"For me, if you are going to share your truth, you don't have to taint the image or reputation of other people, especially the mother of your child. Like, there's no need for that," the host said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Ashley added that when telling a story, make it concise and without the unnecessary details like name-dropping.

"Eighteen years he was quiet and now this is the opportunity, he could have said it in a different way. That's just for me," she said.

Ashley also weighed in on Patrick's reason for doing the interview, which was to protect his daughter from bashing.

"He said that equally, he loves his children. So my question is, if you're wanting to protect your daughter, how come you didn't protect Jazz?"

"Jennylyn and Jazz are living quiet lives now. So why do that? Is it really necessary?" Ashley added.

Patrick is the biological father of Jennylyn's 18-year-old son, Jazz. In the interview, he denied that he abandoned the Ultimate Star during her pregnancy. He also said that he last saw Jazz in 2017, which was also the last time he gave child support.

Jennylyn declined to comment on the issue but asked the public to stop bashing Patrick's family and his daughter.

Ashley said that she feels for Jennylyn as the interview came out of nowhere and the past was being brought up again.

She also commends Dennis Trillo for stepping up as the stepfather to Jazz and protecting Jennylyn throughout the whole trending issue.

Candy Pangilinan, who is one of the episode's guests, also gave her two cents on the issue as the mother of a neurodivergent child.

"Jazz is a child, a neurodivergent. He will always be a child," she said. "He [Patrick] will always have all the chance to be a friend to this child. Give himself a chance to be a friend to this child of his."

Patrick is married to Nikka Martinez and they have four children.

Meanwhile, Jennylyn is married to Dennis and they have a four-year-old daughter, Dylan. Their blended family includes Calix, the actor's 19-year-old son with former girlfriend Carlene Aguilar. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News