Richard Yap Reacted to His Illegitimate Son’s Demand to be Recognized

The 54-year-old Kapuso actor, Richard Yap, has been rumored of having an out-of-wedlock child. This issue started to fire up in the middle of his run for Cebu’s congressman in the 2022 elections.

The 24-year-old rumored illegitimate son is from Bacoor, Cavite. He is Joshua Palo Jensen.

Last October 28, 2021, Paolo Jensen petitioned for “compulsory recognition of natural child” or “acknowledgment of paternity and affiliation” on Regional Court in Cebu City as he claimed that he was voluntarily recognized by his father whose name is Richard Yap.

During his interview with Cebu Daily News, he shared that he started to look for Richard since he was in high school, but the actor neglected him.

"Nag-contact ako through Facebook, social accounts, sa wife niya, sa anak niya.”

"Wala po. Blinock lang nila ako. Matagal ko na siyang hinahanap.”

"Nagpunta na rin ako ng ABS-CBN kasama ng mga lola ko at mommy ko, kaso lagi sinasabi out of town siya."

Jensen also shared that he was just around 10 to 12 years old when he found out that Richard Yap is his biological father. That time, Richard was not yet a celebrity, but an acting chef in a TV commercial for a fast food restaurant.

Jensen’s biological mother is Cherymae Valdez who’s from Quezon City. To the best of Jensen’s knowledge, his mother and Richard met at work. The two last saw each other after his mother’s ultrasound. After that, Richard was out of reach anymore.

Jensen is willing to do a DNA test to prove his statement.

Meanwhile, Richard reacted to this illegitimate son issue. To him, it might be a scheme of his political enemies.

"I’ve been in show business for ten years and karon pa ko ana nga naa koy anak.”

"As you can see that person is not from Cebu, kay di man kahibaw magbinisaya.

"Ngano sa Cebu man siya nagfile? Kinsa may nagpaluyo ana?"

("I’ve been in show business for ten years and I still have a child. As you can see that person is not from Cebu, He doesn't know how to speak Bisaya. Why is he filing in Cebu? Who is behind that?)