Tuesday, May 06, 2008 Showbiz couple ends marriage
THE 19-year-marriage of couple Ramon “Monching” Christopher and Lotlot de Leon ended on May 1 as the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) declared their marriage null and void since both were underage when they got married on March 27, 1989.
A year ago, actress Lotlot filed an annulment case at the court by reason of irreconcilable differences she and her husband Monching are undergoing. And this month, the actress confirmed that they are now legally separated as she received the court’s decision.
When asked in a television interview what was her initial reaction when she heard about the verdict, Lotlot said: "When I got the call from my lawyer, I am really surprised. But there is a misconception that people experiencing the same situation should be happy... for me it was mixed emotions.”
She said she was not proud of what happened to their marriage initially because of their children. "We're not proud (annulment case) God only knows. I know Monching and I really tried to make the marriage work but it really failed. But what's good about this is I know that Mon and I learned so much from the relationship, for the 19 years that we’ve shared. I just hope this would become a lesson for us.”
Although the couple chose to part ways and go with their lives separately, what only matters to Lotlot for now is the respect that her partner is giving her and the proper care and continuing guidance for their children.
The actress said their kids know of their decision. She also believes that they are mature and educated enough to understand their situation.
She admitted though that it is not easy for the kids to cope. She hopes they eventually will accept and comprehend the mistakes of their parents and learn from the these mistakes.
Lotlot was the one who informed Monching of the court’s decision. She was alos the one who informed the kids.
Despite the court’s resolution, Lotlot however commends Monching, “One thing that's very good about my relationship with Monching is that when it comes to raising the kids, we are still one and that will never change.”
Lotlot also expressed respect for her mother-in-law, singer Pilita Corales, albeit the gap in their relationship as in-laws.
Pilita, in a television interview, said: "I am very happy because now Monching can move on and she (Lotlot) can move on. Monching is happy now and I hope that she’s also very happy. I hope she also finds her own happiness."
She added that they have not spoken to each other since Lotlot allegedly got angry with her.
Lotlot, however, denied allegations of being angry with Pilita. She said that despite criticisms from her mother in law, she appreciates the love and care she gives to her children.
She also knows and accepts that a mother will always support her son.
"I have so much respect for her," Lotlot said. "I'm very thankful because she loves my children. That is enough for me despite what happened in the past,” she added.
She also thanked Monching for being a good and responsible father to her kids. She expressed hopes that they continue to be one in how to bring up their children.
The couple had been struggling for their marriage since 2004. Since then they were constantly fighting. This resulted to Lotlot’s decision to move out of their house, staying in an apartment instead with sister Matet de Leon. She filed for an annulment last 2007.
The court ruled that the couple share custody of their four children. (JRDB/Sunnex)
