After receiving an intense backlash online from Netizens and some celebrities alike following his recent revelation about being in a relationship with a minor, legendary singer Freddie Aguilar counters and asserts that he's not, as what others call him, a "child abuser."
"Sinasabihan ako na isa akong pedophile. Isa akong cradle snatcher, na child abuser ako. Nung binasa ko po 'yung mga bashers namin kung ano-ano po ang sinasabi nila tungkol sakanya. Sino po ang child abuser? Ako po ba na nagmamahal sakanya na tunay na pag-ibig o 'yung mga bashers namin na kung ano-ano ang mga sinasabi na masasamang salita sakanya?" brazenly asked the veteran singer in taped interview aired on "Ang Buzz ng Bayan" on Sunday.
Shocking the public with his admission during the recently-concluded Aliw Awards, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, the famed "Anak" singer maintained that falling in love with his girlfriend, Jovi Gatdula, who was named by his daughter Maegan Aguilar on Twitter, wasn't part of his plans.
"In the first place kung alam kong 16 lang siya nung nakita ko siya hindi ko itutuloy 'yung panliligaw ko out of respect sa mga magulang niya," said The 60-year-old musician, who in a separate report, shared that they're relationship actually has the blessing of his teen girlfriend's parents.
Jovi, for her part during the same interview, defended her beau of five months saying that, "Ano man ang sabihin nila, mahal ko si Freddie eh."
Despite her strong facade, Jovi confessed to being hurt about all the malicious remarks and flak that their relationship has been drawing from a lot of people.
"Masakit lang na ganon, lalo na 'yung pakiramdam na binabatikos ka nila sa bagay na alam mo sa sarili mo na hindi ka ganon. Pinipilit kong deadmahin," she explained.
Showing a clear conviction that she would be fighting for her love for Freddie, Jovi maintained, "Hindi ko siya iiwan dahil lang ganon na 'yung nangyayari kasi nangyari ito magkasama kami so tatapusin namin ito ng magkasama rin kami."
While many were puzzled as to how their controversial romance blossomed, reports have it that they met at an election campaign concert in Oriental Mindoro, where Jovi was originally based.
"Nagpa-picture 'yung grupo nila, pagkatapos ng concert namin biglang lumapit siya. Sabi niya 'Pwede ba akong magpa-picture?'" shared he.
After the photo-op, Freddie handed her his calling card but it was a couple of days later when she finally sent him a message asking if he still remembers her.
To which, Freddie replied with: "'Oo, hindi kita maaaring malimutan.'"
He continued, "Tapos nag-open up na ako kung pwede ba akong manligaw, nagtanong nako after several days na nag-uusap kami. Tapos tinanong ko na siya kung pwede ko ba siyang maging girlfriend. Doon ko nalaman sa 12 days na 'yon na 16 lang siya. Hindi ako makatras ngayon, paano ako aatras pa eh mahal ko na siya?"
In yet another candid revelation, iconic performer shared that they are actually planning to tie the knot next month, after Jovi turns 17 however they had to postpone their plan because "hindi pwede kasi marami pang mga papeles na kailangan dahil menor-de-edad parin siya kahit 17 na siya."
