Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Actress Amalia Fuentes to file legal separation case v. hubby
ANNULMENT proceedings between the 1970’s queen of Philippine movies and her estranged husband disrupted workers at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Mandaue City yesterday.
Amalia Muhlach, popularly known as Amalia Fuentes, faced Joseph Stevens, her husband of 28 years, before RTC Judge Teresita Galanida of Branch 56. When the judge allowed her to talk, Amalia poured out her emotions with daughter Liezel Martinez by her side.
She narrated that Joseph sired a child with his lover, who was identified as a member of the prominent Aznar clan.
The actress disclosed that the “affair” was the shock of her life.
Disheartened
She also told the court she was disheartened upon reading the petition for nullity of marriage filed by Joseph where she was identified by her maiden name.
“Joey, I am still Mrs. Stevens whether you like it or not,” said Amalia.
She also disclosed that she has been receiving death threats.
Amalia’s camp questioned the filing of the petition in Cebu when both the petitioner and the defendant are residents of Manila.
Joseph’s camp explained that he has been living in the city for the past eight years, a claim Amalia’s camp opposed.
Also, they told the court that calling Amalia by her maiden name was in relation to their argument that the marriage between the actress and Joseph in 1978 was null and void.
They explained that when the marriage was solemnized, Joseph’s first marriage in the US could still be considered legal because Philippine laws do not recognize divorce.
After almost two hours of emotional confrontation, an “exhausted” discussion Amalia and Joseph agreed that the latter will withdraw his petition for nullity of marriage.
In turn, Amalia will file a case of legal separation before the courts in Manila. (KNT)
