MANILA, Philippines -- Amid the legal feud between his parents, James "Bimby" Yap, Jr. appeared on Saturday during the live telecast of "Pilipinas Got Talent," where his mom Kris Aquino sits as judge.
Bimby with mom Kris Aquino during the live telecast of "Pilipinas Got Talent" on Saturday. -- TV grab
The 6-year-old was seen sitting beside Aquino at the judges' table during the performance of cyr wheel dancer Frankendal Fabroa, who was among the six acts that took the stage at PAGCOR Grand Theater in Paranaque City during the grand finals performance night of the reality talent search.
On Saturday afternoon, Bimby's father, star cager James Yap, arrived in Manila from a vacation in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
The basketball player had been vocal of his excitement to be reunited with his only child with Aquino, but reportedly was not able to meet him throughout Saturday.
On May 21, the Makati Regional Trial Court denied Aquino's appeal for a permanent protection order (PPO) against Yap on behalf of their son.
Yap's legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, earlier said the court decision brings back in place the visitation schedules for the basketball player. He was earlier allowed by the family court to visit Bimby on Wednesdays and Fridays.
However, Aquino's legal counsel, Atty. Frank Chavez, said on Friday that Yap "cannot unilaterally change the schedule and venue of visitation."
Aquino and Yap were married in civil rites in July 2005. Their marriage was declared null in February last year, following allegations of infidelity on Yap's part.
The father no longer has custody of Bimby, but was able to visit his son 109 times in a year as previously ordered by court. The child lives with Aquino and his half-brother, Joshua.
According to Chavez, "the resumption of his (Yap) visitation rights has not attained finality because there are issues and sub-issues that have yet to be clarified by the court."
In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Saturday afternoon, Yap said he was originally set to arrive in Manila on a later date, but re-scheduled his flight "para sana makita ko si Bimby ngayong araw na 'to."
Yap, in a separate interview with ABS-CBN News on Friday, said he was elated with the court decision allowing him to finally see his son again.
"Siyempre sobrang saya, 'no. 'Yun lang talaga 'yung pinagpe-pray ko, na ma-deny 'yung kay baby James. Hindi ko na iniisip kung anuman 'yung resulta ng case ko kay Kris," he said.
While the PPO for Bimby was denied, the court granted a protection order against Yap sought by Aquino for herself.
The order stems from an incident last December 3, when Yap allegedly attempted to "force himself" on Aquino in front of their son. Yap has denied making such "amorous advances" on Aquino.
The actress' appeal for a PPO for her son was due to Yap allegedly causing "distress" on Bimby from his mere presence, following the alleged incident in December last year.
