GMA artist and former beauty queen Bianca Manalo defended herself against the accusations that she and her co-artists Rob Gomez have something more than friendship.
In her Instagram account on Friday, Dec. 22, Manalo released a statement clarifying that Gomez was only giving her gifts, which answers the spreading screenshots of their conversation that she seems to be meeting the actor in Makati.
"Let me clear all the false rumors circulating on the internet. Rob Gomez and I are friends and co-workers. He was going to bring Christmas gifts and I wanted to receive them early before I leave the airport," Manalo said.
Based on the screenshot, she was asking Gomez if he could go early at 7 a.m. in her place before she leaves at 10 a.m. The question was followed by a message saying, "He's not here. He's in Valenzuela" —seemingly referring to her husband, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who is from Valenzuela.
Manalo said posting a private conversation was a breach of privacy as there were no consent, noting that some of their previous messages were deleted.
"It is upsetting that our conversations were exposed without my consent, which is a breach of privacy and the cause of so much online bashing. It is obvious that parts of our conversation were deleted to create malicious insinuations," she said.
According to the former beauty queen, the issue is affecting her family, with whom she's currently spending a vacation in Japan.
"To be honest, this unfounded accusation is hurting me and my loved ones. Let this controversy end so I can enjoy the rest of my time in Japan with my family," she said.
"Let us spread love and the truth this holiday season. Merry Christmas, everyone," Manalo concluded.
The issue drew flack on social media on Wednesday, Dec. 20, after conversation screenshots of Rob Gomez with Manalo and Herlene "Hipon" Budol was unexpectedly posted on his social media account.
