Balabagan addressed the rumors surrounding the identity of her first child’s father through a livestream on her Facebook page last Friday, Aug. 21.

“Ang ama po ng panganay ko ay yes, si Arnold Clavio,” she stated in the live video. (The father of my eldest child is, yes, Arnold Clavio)

She explained that she finally decided to reveal the person’s identity after 22 years to set the record straight and to ensure that her children know the truth. Her eldest child is now 21 years old.

Prior to claiming that Clavio is the father of her first child, people have previously speculated the late ambassador Roy Señeres, industrialist William Gatchalian or broadcast journalist Rey Langit to be the father of Balabagan’s firstborn. She however quickly shut down those rumors.

Balabagan then stated that it was the late former ambassador who helped her when she first became pregnant.

“Kinupkop ako at itinago ni ambassador pero ang nakakalungkot, e, sinasabi nilang siya raw ang ama,” Balabagan said.

The ambassador took me in and hid me but what is sad is that others have said that he is the father [of my child].)

Relationship with Clavio

Balabagan then recalled that she first met Clavio when he visited her while she was imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for murder. Balabagan had killed her employer after he tried to rape her when she was 14 years old. Her death sentence was eventually reduced to imprisonment and caning, after international outcry about her case.

She eventually became close to Clavio, whom she called “Kuya Arnold” at the time. Balabagan also noted that Clavio exclusively covered her story when she returned to the Philippines in August 1991.

Following her return, the two developed a relationship which they agreed to keep hidden.

“Ang sabi kasi sa akin noon ni Arnold, eh, walang aminan. Kahit ano raw ang mangyari, eh, ‘wag akong aamin,” she added.

(Arnold told me before that there would be no confessing. Whatever happens, he said that I should not confess.)

Though Balabagan was only 17 years old at the time, and therefore a minor, she said she has already forgiven Clavio for their affair and moved on from it. She also clarified that she did not decide to reveal Clavio’s identity for revenge, but to simply put the rumors to rest.

Balabagan now hosts a radio program in the Las Vegas-based radio station PHLV Radio and is married to Jun Sereno. JB