HEARTFELT CONFESSION: Kris Aquino Reveals the Real Reason She Refuses to Let Philip Salvador and James Yap Raise Her Sons

Kris Aquino, the “Queen of All Media,” has never shied away from discussing her personal life. From her health battles to her romantic relationships, she has lived much of her life under the spotlight. But in a recent emotional interview, Kris opened up about one of the most personal and controversial decisions of her life—why she has refused to let her ex-partners, Philip Salvador and James Yap, take a more active role in raising her sons, Joshua and Bimby.

This rare and honest confession has stirred public conversation and opened the door to deeper understanding of the struggles and convictions of a mother who has fought hard to protect her children.

A Mother’s Unwavering Stand

In the tell-all interview aired on a digital talk show, Kris spoke with a combination of calm strength and emotional vulnerability. She began by acknowledging that this was not an easy topic for her to address, but one she felt the public deserved to hear.

“I’ve been silent for years out of respect—for my children, for the fathers of my children. But I owe it to myself, to my sons, and to the people who have supported me to explain why I made the decisions I did,” Kris said.

She revealed that both Philip Salvador, the father of her eldest son Joshua, and James Yap, father of her younger son Bimby, had opportunities to step up—but she felt they either failed to do so or caused more harm than good during crucial periods of their children’s lives.

The Story with Philip Salvador

Kris was in her early twenties when she entered a relationship with actor Philip Salvador, who was significantly older and already married. Their affair was the subject of tabloid headlines in the 1990s. Eventually, Kris gave birth to their son, Joshua.

According to Kris, Philip initially showed interest in fatherhood, but his involvement quickly faded.

“Philip chose his career, his existing family, and other priorities. I don’t blame him—he was in a difficult position. But I couldn’t let my son grow up feeling unwanted or secondary. That would have destroyed Joshua,” Kris explained tearfully.

She added that Joshua, who has special needs, required consistent love, attention, and a strong support system—something she was determined to give him, even if it meant doing it alone.

“There were moments when I felt incredibly lonely. But that loneliness was better than exposing Josh to confusion and inconsistency.”

Her Struggles with James Yap

Kris’s marriage to PBA star James Yap was one of the most public relationships in Philippine showbiz. They tied the knot in 2005 and welcomed their son, Bimby, in 2007. But the union was short-lived, ending in separation and a heavily scrutinized annulment.

Though their relationship started with love and hope, Kris said the cracks quickly showed—both in their marriage and in James’ role as a father.

“At first, James tried. But as time passed, he stopped showing up. Literally and emotionally. And when he did show up, it felt forced, or there was drama,” she revealed.

Kris recalled an incident where Bimby cried after a visitation, saying he felt more like an obligation than a son.

“That broke me,” Kris said. “No child should ever feel that they are unloved or unwelcome.”

She went on to say that while she doesn’t consider James a bad person, she simply did not see him as the kind of consistent, supportive parent her son needed.

“I want to be clear: I’m not trying to ruin his image. I’m just telling the truth as a mother who has had to make painful decisions for the well-being of her child.”

The Pain of Public Judgment

Over the years, Kris Aquino has been both praised and criticized for her choices. Critics have accused her of alienating her children’s fathers, of using her sons as emotional weapons, or of being overly controlling.

To this, Kris responded with firm resolve.

“I would rather be judged for being overprotective than be judged for being careless,” she said. “I’m not perfect. But I never allowed my pride or pain to get in the way of what’s best for my boys.”

She added that she never discouraged Joshua or Bimby from connecting with their fathers if they wished to do so, but that she always made sure they felt safe and empowered to make those decisions themselves.

“Respect is not forced—it is earned,” she said. “And being a parent is not a title, it’s a lifetime responsibility.”

Raising Her Sons Alone—But Not Without Love

Despite the absence of their fathers, Kris shared that Joshua and Bimby have grown into compassionate, intelligent, and loving young men. She credited this to the strong family values instilled in them by her mother, the late President Cory Aquino, and her brother, former President Noynoy Aquino.

“I did not raise my sons alone. I had the help of a loving family, loyal staff who have become family, and a community that embraced us,” Kris emphasized.

She also praised both boys for their maturity and understanding.

“Josh may have special needs, but he has a special soul. And Bimby, for all the criticism he has received just for being himself—he has remained kind, smart, and strong.”

Looking Forward: Healing and Hope

In the latter part of the interview, Kris expressed that she harbors no bitterness toward either Philip or James. She believes people change, and that healing is always possible.

“If they ever want to genuinely reconnect with their sons, and if my sons are open to it, I won’t stand in their way,” she said. “But it has to be sincere. It has to come from a place of love—not publicity, not guilt.”

She also asked for the public to be kinder, not just to her, but to all single parents.

“We are doing our best. We don’t get it right all the time, but our hearts are in the right place. And in the end, that’s what matters most.”

Conclusion

Kris Aquino’s heartfelt confession is not just the story of a mother estranged from her children’s fathers—it’s the story of resilience, sacrifice, and the strength it takes to raise children with integrity in a complicated world.

While the public may continue to debate her choices, one truth remains undeniable: Kris Aquino is, above all else, a mother who has fought fiercely and selflessly for her children. And for that, many say, she deserves nothing but respect.