Mom to Charice: No need to apologize

IN THIS 2009 photo, girly Charice welcomes the Inquirer to her Tagaytay home. INQSnap this page to see more photos and her TV interview! FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Contrary to earlier reports, Raquel Pempengco on Friday said that she has long accepted that her daughter Charice is a lesbian.

“Matagal na namin ‘yun alam. Hindi niya na kailangang mag-sorry (We’ve long known that. She doesn’t need to apologize),” she told the Inquirer by phone.

Charice came out as a lesbian on the TV gab fest “The Buzz” last Sunday, confirming widespread speculations.

Raquel, however, admitted that she tried asking Charice to keep her sexual preference a secret for the sake of her career.

“Tanggap ko siya, pero sabi ko itago niya muna kasi may pangalan at career siya na iniingatan (I accept what she is, but I asked her to keep it a secret because she has a name and career to protect),” she said.

As for their rift, Raquel said it was up to Charice if she wants to come forward and patch things up with her.

“Na kay Charice ‘yan… Siya naman ang nagbago, lumayo (It’s up to Charice…she was the one who changed, left),” Raquel said.

She continued: “Whatever happens, I’m here for Charice. Anak ko siya. Mahal na mahal ko siya (She’s my daughter and I love her so much).”