MANILA -- Embattled OPM icon Freddie Aguilar vigorously defended his relationship with his 16-year-old girlfriend, saying no one can separate them, not even the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The department has said it is taking the necessary steps to ensure the girl’s safety and welfare since she is a minor.
But in an interview with DZMM on Wednesday night, Aguilar, best known for his hit song, "Anak," said only his girlfriend has the right to end the relationship.
"Hindi ko siya pwedeng pilitin. Hanggang nandito siya at sinasabi niyang mahal niya ako, eh hindi po ako bibitaw sa relasyon namin," Aguilar said.
The veteran singer also reiterated that their families support their relationship.
"Ngayon kung may may kumontra sa akin sa pamilya niya o may kumontra isa mga anak ko sa relasyon namin ay matatanggap ko ng maluwag dahil sila po ang immediate family namin," he said. 'Yung pamilya namin ay tanggap kami sa isa't isa. 'Yun pong walang kinalaman sa amin, sila yung nangingialam sa relasyon namin."
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Florita Villar, The department will talk to the girl’s parents and implement an intervention to “help” her.
Under the Revised Penal Code, Aguilar may be charged with child abuse or seduction for participating in a relationship with a minor.
Aguilar revealed that the DSWD already talked to the parents of his girlfriend.
"Nakausap na daw po nila 'yung nanay ng girlfriend ko. (Ako) hindi pa naman nila ako (nakakausap)," Aguilar said.
While saying he is aware of the duties of the DSWD, he also noted that there are other problems that the department has to address.
"Katulad din ng trabaho nila na dapat walang bata sa kalye na nagbebenta ng ilang-ilang, walang nagbebenta ng sampaguita at mga batang maliliit na ginagamit ng mga magulang at sindikato na namamalimos sa lansangan, trabaho nila 'yon," Aguilar pointed out.
In the interview, Aguilar also denied speculations that his girlfriend has plans of entering showbiz.
"Sa alam ko, wala po siyang kaplanong-planong ganoon. Ang alam ko ay gusto niyang maging isang successful na hotel and restaurant manager po. 'Yun ang pangarap niya," he said.
Aguilar again stressed that he is willing to marry his girlfriend when she turns 18.
"Nag-uusap kami in two years time ay 18 na siya. In fact, sa November 29 ay 17 na siya. Halos isang taon na lang ang paghihintay namin," he said.
"Hinihingi ko na din ang blessing ng magulang niya at pati ang lola niya. Sa ngayon po ay pumapayag sila. Ang ni-request lang ng lola ay kung papayag na ikasal sa Mindoro," he said.
"Ngayon kung may batas ulit na pipigil sa amin kapag 18 na siya, pwede sigurong maghanap kami ng ibang bansa na pwede kaming ikasal na hindi kukuwestiyunin ang kanyang edad," Aguilar said.
