Vhong prays girlfriend won’t leave him amid scandal

MANILA, Philippines – Vhong Navarro is thankful his non-showbiz girlfriend Tanya Winona Bautista has given her a second chance after his moment of unfaithfulness became a very public scandal.

The Kapamilya artist said in a previous interview that he had sexual relations with model Deniece Cornejo, which allegedly led to his mauling on January 22 in Taguig City. Cornejo, who filed a rape complaint against the actor-TV host, denied Vhong’s claim.

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In an interview with ABS-CBN’s showbiz talk show “Buzz on Bayan” on Sunday, February 9, Vhong said he’d understand if Bautista leaves him after the scandal.

“Isa yun sa mga pinagdarasal ko, na sana sa lahat ng nangyayari ngayon sa akin, huwag akong iwan,” he said, adding that he knows asking his girlfriend to stay with him after what happened is “selfish.”

“Sabi ko nga, ito yung napaka-down ng buhay ko na pinagdaanan, pero until now andyan pa rin siya,” Vhong said. “Talagang dapat siguro, hindi na maulit talaga at hinding-hindi na mauulit na may gawin pa akong ganun ulit. Kaya dapat maging faithful ako talaga.”

Vhong described his relationship with Bautista right now as “mas lumalim.”

“Naguguluhan pa siya. Pero right now, mas lalong lumalalim ang aming pagsasama at pagmamahalan,” he said. “Mas maiisip niya na mahal pa rin niya ako kahit sa nagawa kong ito sa kanya.”

The 37-year-old actor shared he already talked to Bautista’s parents and asked for forgiveness.

Vhong also admitted he is scared to return to show business, specifically the noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” where he serves as a co-host. He recognizes the fact that he cannot “control” the opinion of the public regarding the issue.

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However, he is determined to continue his legal battle against Cornejo and the others “hanggang sa magkaroon tayo ng hustisya.”

“Nangyari po sa akin, pwede pong mangyari sa kapwa ko pa Pilipino at pwedeng maulit po ulit,” he said.