Sunshine Cruz admitted her three daughters with estranged husband Cesar Montano have been affected by corruption allegations involving their father.
Cesar has been accused of abusing his authority as chief operating officer of Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in connection with the Buhay Carinderia project.
Amid the controversy, Sunshine said she had a serious talk with her children on how to handle its backlash.
“Like what I told the kids, ‘You shouldn’t be affected because even your vehicle and even the clothes you wear are from your mom.
"'I work hard to be able to provide those for you. So you just have to pray for your dad because he’s your father.'"
“Hangga't maaari, hindi ko tinuturuan magtanim ng sama ng loob yung mga bata sa kanya.”
Sunshine was interviewed by the entertainment reporters after the press launch of her new GMA-7 daytime teleserye, Kapag Nahati Ang Puso, held at the 17th floor of GMA Network Center in Quezon City earlier today, July 6.
BACK STORY. It was on May 14 when The Philippine STAR columnist Boo Chanco alleged that Cesar paid P80 million in full to the proponent/organizer of Buhay Carinderia even before the project's completion.
Chanco also questioned why the project event did not go through a public bidding, which is standard procedure in government projects.
On May 17, newly installed Department of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo ordered the suspension of the Buhay Carinderia tourism project pending its investigation.
On May 21, Cesar tendered his resignation as TPB COO in a letter addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, which was accepted.
STILL HER DAUGHTERS' DAD. Meanwhile, asked to describe her daughter’s relationship with their father, Sunshine replied, “Bumati naman sila nung Fathers Day.”
Sunshine refused to make any more comment when asked if the daughters still see Cesar.
But she said, “Pero siyempre, di ba? Tatay is tatay. Eventually baka naman…
"We’re hoping na maayos. Baka kailangan lang niya ng more time.”
Are her daughters close to Sunshine's current boyfriend, Macky Mathay?
Sunshine readily replied, “Macky is always there for them, which we appreciate."