"Conflict of interest," according to Lily Monteverde, is the reason why Carla Abellana cannot promote Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story.

That's because, Carla is a contract star of Regal Films, where she has another entry, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.

Last December 19, the Kapuso actress did not show up at the press conference of Governor ER Ejercito's entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The politician-actor told the press that Mother Lily (how the Regal Films matriarch is known in the industry) is hindering his leading lady from promoting his film.

"Siya ang humaharang. Ayaw niyang mag-promote si Carla, e...Ang banggit sa akin ni Carla at ng kanyang manager na si Arnold Vegafria, 'pag sila daw ay nag-promote, o pupunta sa presscon, sasakay sa float sa December 24, at kapag nanood sa premiere night, e, idedemanda raw ng Regal Films," said the governor of Laguna.

For her part, Carla denied being held back by Regal Films, "Hindi ko lang talaga kakayanin mag-promote ng dalawang movies, but wala namang legal threats, wala namang anything na ganun."

To clear the air, Mother Lily decided to speak up on the issue, stressing that Carla is a contract star of her film outfit.

In her statement, which was emailed to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), early this afternoon, December 11, she said: "Carla has an EXCLUSIVE contract with Regal. It is not true that her contract gives her or her manager an option to do movies outside of Regal."

She said, "Don't blame me," because the problem arose after Carla's manager accepted the project without the knowledge of Regal Films.

Mother Lily also said she had the option to sue, but decided against it.

The lady boss said, "It's so hurting that we were the last to know about her appearance in that movie.

"I don't want to sue my stars, hindi naman maganda na isang pamilya kami, kami pa ang magdedemandahan."

Below is the complete statement of Mother Lily:

"I have kept quiet on this issue because Carla Abellana is a Regal baby. I felt I have to protect her.

"But I am speaking now, because I have to explain and clear things up.

"Regal was the last to know that Carla's manager, Arnold Vegafria, accepted the offer for her to do The Asiong Salonga Story.