MANILA — Gerald Anderson has confirmed that he spoke with comedian Dennis Padilla, whose daughter, actress Julia Barretto, has been the subject of accusations in relation to the actor’s separation from his girlfriend of three years, Bea Alonzo.

After clearing Barretto’s name in the breakup — stressing that “no one else was the reason” — Anderson was asked whether there is truth to a report that he spoke with Padilla.

“Si Sir Dennis, tumawag siya sa akin,” he told ABS-CBN News’ Ganiel Krishnan. “Of course, he called me. I answered the phone. We had a good conversation. Tumawag siya kasi isa siyang concerned father. Anak niya ‘yun, e. Anak niya ‘yun.”

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“Siyempre, alam natin na grabe rin ‘yung bashing sa side nila. No one deserves that… We had a good conversation,” Anderson added.

Anderson’s ties with Barretto, his leading lady in the romance film “Between Maybes,” became the subject of speculation in mid-July, when Alonzo hinted of infidelity in her relationship with an Instagram post about having had “enough.”

Alonzo’s visible Instagram activities, including liking posts alleging an affair between Barretto and Anderson, led to the onscreen partners becoming the target of criticisms and allegations of cheating.

Anderson, in his interview on Monday, said he has also met Barretto’s mother, former actress Marjorie Barretto.

“She has a very beautiful and nice family. One thing for sure is they’re very strong and united. It’s just unfortunate na nadamay and this happened. At least they’re all together,” he said.

While Marjorie and Barretto’s sister Dani have already denied that the actress was involved in Anderson’s failed relationship, Julia has notably remained tight-lipped about her ties with her film co-star.: