Why Herbert stopped dating Kris

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista takes his oath of office in 2013 before CA Associate Justice Ma. Elisa Sempio Diy as his children Athena and Harvey hold a bible. Photo from Bautista's official Facebook page

MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista was no longer pursuing TV host Kris Aquino since last week, a source close to the former actor said, supposedly over concern for his children who were reportedly hurt by news of the blooming romance.

Bautista decided to stop pursuing Aquino before the Holy Week break, the source told ABS-CBN News, only a week after the actress confirmed on live television that they were indeed dating, as rumored in the previous month.

When the new relationship dubbed "Kristek" made headlines, Bautista's two children with long-time partner Tates Gana were badly affected, according to the source -- which was reason enough for the "Bagets" star to discontinue dating Aquino.

Bautista's children with Gana are 17-year-old Athena and 10-year-old Harvey, both showbiz newcomers. The city official has two other children from a previous relationship.

Despite their public appearances together in recent years, including Bautista's birthday party in 2012, the former actor and Gana were no longer a couple as early as 2003, the source added.

In an interview with Esquire Philippines in its April 2014 issue, Bautista said he remains in good terms with the mothers of his four children. "I am very thankful that they raised our children quite well. I respect them as individuals kahit 'di kami nagkatuluyan," he told the magazine.

There is also no truth to speculations that Bautista planned to use Aquino to boost his chances in running for higher office, the source told ABS-CBN News.

Bautista, the source added, cleared Aquino in any problem their relationship encountered while they were still involved.

While not directly confirming reports that she and Bautista have stopped dating, Aquino hinted on Monday that the reason for cutting her hair short was over a "heartache."

On Wednesday, Aquino took to Instagram to address the status of her relationship with Bautista, as she thanked him for sending energy drinks after she was hospitalized due to falling ill from heat.

"We're not a 'couple' but we are the best of friends," she said in the caption of a photo of the gift. "And in this uncertain world, we're sure to be friends for life."

Aquino added: "That's actually what we started as, it's where we are most comfortable being, and for whatever tomorrow may still bring, true and lasting friendship is always the best foundation." -- From a report by Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News