Dennis Trillo stood by his decision to publicly defend his wife, Jennylyn Mercado, and their family amid the controversies surrounding a recent interview involving Jennylyn’s former partner, Patrick Garcia.
Trillo addressed the issue in an interview with members of the press, including Philippine STAR entertainment editor Nathalie Tomada, at the 2026 Golden Screen Awards (Dekada Awards) on Sunday, Oct. 4.
The actor took home two acting honors at the event for his performances in the films “Felix Manalo” and “Green Bones.”
During his acceptance speech, Trillo made a reference to his earlier “Ano ang bag mo?” remark, which was widely interpreted as a play on “Ano ang ambag mo?” amid the controversy involving Garcia’s past relationship with Mercado and his relationship with their son, Alex Jazz.
“Sayang hindi ko dala ang bag ko para mailagay itong dalawang trophies ko,” Trillo quipped.
He also thanked Jennylyn, whom he described as his “number one supporter”
“Sobrang proud ako sa’yo. Kung proud ka sa akin, mas proud ako sa’yo,” he told his wife.
When asked by the media about his decision to speak up amid the controversy, Dennis said he felt it was his responsibility as the head of his family to protect them.
“Ako na lang talaga [ang humaharap sa issue], dahil syempre, pamilya ko ’yun eh. Walang ibang magtatanggol kundi padre de pamilya, di ba? ’Yun ’yung pangunahing responsibilidad ng ama, bilang tumayong tatay ng pamilya, syempre gagawin mo ang lahat para protektahan sila at all cost,” he said.
Trillo also gave his “final word” on the controversy surrounding Garcia’s “tell-all” interview, saying his previous posts were simply his “initial reaction” as a father trying to protect his family.
“Wala naman akong nararamdaman na galit kahit kanino. ‘Yung naging reaksyon ko ay initial na reaksyon lang ‘yun ng isang tatay na nagtatanggol sa pamilya, isang tatay na umiiwas na sa trauma. Maaga pa lang, nandun ako para harangin na kaagad ‘yun,” he said.
The actor also appealed to the public to keep the children out of the controversy.
“Hiling namin syempre matapos na lahat ng pangbabash, ayaw natin mangyari ‘yun. Mga magulang involved dito pero ‘wag na natin idamay ‘yung mga bata dahil at the end of the day, sila ‘yung buhay natin, sila ‘yung pinoprotektahan natin, sila ‘yung mga mahal natin,” Trillo added.
Despite the controversy, Trillo said he remains open to making peace with Garcia should the latter reach out to him.
“Lahat ng tao pwedeng bigyan ng second chance, ‘di ba? Kahit gaano pa ka-grabe iyong mga nagawa niya. Tao lang tayo,” he asserted.
The controversy stemmed from Garcia’s interview with showbiz reporter and talent manager Ogie Diaz, where he discussed his past relationship with Mercado nearly two decades after their breakup in 2008.
Patrick also denied allegations that he abandoned Jennylyn while she was pregnant with their son, Alex Jazz.
