MANILA - The mother of Jessy Mendiola has leapt to the defense of her daughter as the actress faces the brunt of the blame for the split of celebrity couple Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano.

Didith Garvida, in screenshots taken by Pep, was seen responding to comments from her daughter's followers that Mendiola was the third-party in the high-profile breakup. Mendiola has already denied her involvement, with Manzano, whom she is being romantically linked with, similarly dismissing the rumors.

"This is my take, nililigawan man siya ni Luis o hindi, si Luis iyan and siya ang nanliligaw, not Jessy," wrote Garvida, urging critics to stop spreading false speculations and treat her daughter with respect.

She also claimed that the former "Maria Mercedes" star is not bothered by the tirades on social media blaming her for the split, despite her daughter breaking down in tears in front of reporters over the "ahas" tag.

"Jessy, my daughter, for your information, is not shaken. Your slander have no place in our heart. We only want to see kind words to live by. And as for you and all who like bashing, it's time to accept that she is beautiful. She owe it to those people who loves her and to her family and her mentors," she wrote.

Mendiola recently topped the FHM Philippines' 2016 "Sexiest Women in the World" list, as voted by readers of the men's magazine.

Asked about her reaction to her online poll win, she replied that her latest feat only proves that people are looking beyond the traditional definition of "sexy."

'I WOULD NEVER DESTROY A RELATIONSHIP'

In an interview with ABS-CBN News last Sunday, Mendiola admitted that she feels hurt whenever followers would accuse her of stealing Manzano from Locsin.

"It hurts kapag sinasabi nila na, for a lack of better term, 'ahas' ka. Labas ako sa kanila and what happened between the two of them. 'Yung amin, I think dapat labas na rin siya doon," she said."Malinis ang puso ko. I would never ever destroy a relationship."

Manzano also came to the defense of Mendiola, saying: "Willing akong ipusta ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko sa buhay na she had nothing to do with the breakup, that I will answer."

Manzano and Locsin first made public their breakup early in the year. Both of them, however, have yet to speak up about the reason behind their split.

Locsin has refused to comment on Manzano's admission that he is dating Mendiola. "Wala akong magandang masabi so hindi na lang ako magsasalita," she said.