MANILA, Philippines — Claudine Barretto remains separated from her husband Raymart Santiago.
But the actress said she and Raymart are "trying to be the best friends" for their children Rodrigo and Sabina.
During the press conference for TV5's upcoming soap opera "Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?" on Monday, Claudine said she and Raymart halted their plans to go through annulment.
"Hindi pa single at hindi pa rin kami nag-start sa annulment. So stop muna kami sa annulment," she said when asked about her current status.
Claudine added that they've decided to become "co-parents" now that she and Raymart have become friends, years after their public spat following their separation.
It can be remembered that the two were engaged in a series of legal battles after separating in 2013. But last year, Claudine said she has mended fences with the GMA-7 actor.
"Kami ni Raymart ngayon, we're really very good friends now. We're really trying to be good parents talaga kasi nag-fail na po kami as husband and wife. So we don't want to fail as parents naman," Claudine explained.
She added: "So napagusapan muna namin na i-stop muna lahat-lahat ng mga kaso and mag co-parenting na lang kami sa pagpapalaki sa mga anak namin."
Claudine further narrated: "When it comes to our kids, sabi ko kasi sa kanya (Raymart) na, 'O ano, maga-annulment na ba tayo, may girlfriend ka na ba?' Sabi niya, hindi na rin siya ikakasal. (Sabi ko), 'Ayoko na rin'."
"So sabi niya, 'Stop muna natin, huwag muna tayo mag-annulment. kasi yung kids, ngayon lang nila nai-enjoy kami together paminsan-minsan."
Their children are happy with their current arrangement, said Claudine.
But what if she falls in love with another person even before they are annulled?
"Ang rule talaga namin is 'pag okay na 'yung kids. Ngayon kasi, na-accept na nila na iba na 'yung house ni papa, iba na 'yung house ni mama. And he can see them any time," she said.
"Pero 'yung annulment, 'pag in-love ako, doon na lang siguro, kapag na in-love ako ulit. Or kapag may girlfriend na siya. Sinabihan ko siya na basta bigyan niya ako ng heads up," Claudine added.
Claudine talked to members of the press to promote "Bakit Manipis ang Ulap," a soap opera that will air on TV5 starting February 15.
This is her first regular TV project since 2011's "Iglot," which aired on GMA-7. This also comes after her "Etiquette for Mistresses" under Star Cinema last year.
The 36-year-old actress, who took a hiatus from showbiz for a few years, said she is back for the long haul.
"Kung ano 'yung last na teleserye mo, kailangan mo siyang tapatan," said Claudine, who became a top soap opera star thanks to her ABS-CBN shows "Mula sa Puso" and "Saan Ka Man Naroroon" during the late 90s. "Kailangan palagi kang may ibibigay sa audience mong bago, lalo na ngayon na maraming teleserye na lumalabas hindi lang sa gabi kundi pati sa hapon saka bago mag-lunch."