Why Kris Aquino is grateful to Phillip Salvador

Former couple Phillip Salvador and Kris Aquino. FILE

MANILA — Not much has been said about the past relationship of Phillip Salvador and Kris Aquino — a fact which the actress-host credits for her amicable standing with the father of her eldest son, Josh.

The topic was brought up in the February 14 episode of Aquino’s webseries, “Unscripted with Kris,” which also marks her 48th birthday.

Interviewing her in the four-part episode were Ogie Diaz and Dindo Balares, who opened a range of topics, from her legal spat with former business partner Nicko Falcis to the current state of her health.

At one point, Diaz asked Aquino about the participation of the respective fathers of her sons, in light of the former TV star’s fears over being diagnosed last year with an autoimmune disease.

Josh is Aquino’s only child with Salvador, while Bimby is her son with former husband James Yap, who now has a new partner.

“I’ve stayed silent, so I’ll remain silent na lang,” Aquino initially said. “Marami kasi masyadong mauungkat if I open that Pandora’s box. I’ll stay nice.”

However, she went on to clarify: “No issues whatsoever kay Phillip Salvador, kasi hindi naman niya kami ginulo. Wala siyang masamang sinabi tungkol sa akin. Publicly, pinuri niya ang pamilya ko, ang mom ko, ako, mga kapatid ko sa pagpapalaking nagawa namin kay Josh. So, sa kaniya, grateful ako.”

“Sa tatay ni Bimb, I think we’re better off this way,” she added.

Aquino and Yap were married in 2005 but separated five years later. Their marriage was annulled in 2012. Their feud would not easily abate, however, with issues such as Bimby’s custody and financial support becoming the subjects of publicized arguments over the years.