Edu confirms breakup

MANILA, Philippines - Actor and television host Edu Manzano ended yesterday speculation about his relationship with news anchor Pinky Webb by confirming their breakup.

Interviewed after the Lakas-Kampi-CMD national convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Manzano clarified his decision to run for vice president under the administration party was not the reason he broke up with Webb, his girlfriend of five years.

The question was asked apologetically since it dealt with his personal life, but the actor did not shy away from the issue.

 “Unfortunately, that is true. You said sorry, yes I am sorry, too,” Manzano said.

When he was asked the same question later, he made it clear that his running for vice president was not the reason for the split.

“No, I wouldn’t say that,” Manzano said.

There were already reports before yesterday’s convention that the two had broken up and that one of the possible reasons was Manzano’s decision to run for vice president.

He declined to go into details.

“Some things will just not go the way we planned it, but you’ll sometimes have to live or have to play the cards you’re dealt with,” he said.

Manzano had been married twice – to Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, with whom he has a son Luis, and to actress Maricel Soriano.

He also has two children with his one-time live-in partner, actress Rina Samson.

Manzano said his relationships should not have any bearing on his candidacy.

“The personal aspect, I think we should keep to ourselves. I don’t think it’s going have a real basis or impact on the campaign,” he said. – Marvin Sy