Some were not surprised while others were saddened following the confirmation that couple Jericho Rosales and Kim Jones have already parted ways after almost a decade of marriage.
This was revealed by a friend close to the couple, who also serves as a godfather to their wedding.
According to ABS-CBN News, Ricco Ocampo said the two had been separated since 2019, or the year before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe.
Reports said he has known the couple since they were dating.
“While the friendship between the two remains, they have decided it is time to lead separate lives,” Ricco was quoted as saying in a statement.
“They are encouraging each other to grow, albeit in different directions. It was a mutual decision, an amicable separation, dealt with grace and maturity by both parties,” he added.
Ricco further said that the two “are filled with gratitude for the memories they’ve made together and the lessons they’ve learned.”
“They have journeyed through the separation with the utmost respect and care toward one another precisely because Echo and Kim are the best of friends and love each other like family,” he added.
Ricco said that the split was “not born out of ill feelings,” adding that it might be a “demonstration of their affection and respect, as Echo and Kim only wish the best for each other.”
“They are incredibly grateful for those who have supported them throughout the years, and appreciate the respect of their privacy during this time,” he said.
Ricco added that the two are working on a film to be released this year, with Jericho as its producer and Kim as its writer, director and actor.
In terms of individual pursuits, he said that Kim is focused on filmmaking and writing while Jericho is prepping for his prison drama series “Sellblock.”
Earlier this month, the actor refused to address speculations about his and Kim’s status, although he said they were “happy,” “amazing” and “fantastic.”
Jericho also said at that time that his heart was doing “good, great, fantastic, amazing.”
Before that, Kim commented on an Instagram post of the actor posing with homemade pizzas. She said that “pizza nights are top-tier nights.”
READ: Kim Jones comments on Jericho Rosales’ IG post amid split rumors
The two also attended the ABS-CBN Ball together in September 2023, even though they have been breakup rumors already at that time.
Meanwhile, the split confirmation garnered varying reactions from some Filipinos.
Others said they were not surprised as the rumors have been circulating since last year. Some admitted to being saddened after rooting for the couple.
“Shutaaaa, legit [talaga] cheeka ni Ogie D,” an online user wrote, referring to talent manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz, who reported about a “blind item” featuring a “handsome actor” and his “beautiful wife” last December.
Social media users have speculated Ogie was referring to Jericho and Kim.
“Confirmed! Ogie D, be like… I told you so!” another user commented in response to the reports.
“Papa @ogiediaz, ikaw na [talaga]! Ayan naaa. Anyway, Jericho, my ultimate crush, akin ka na [lang] pls…” a different Pinoy quipped.
“Nooo, I liked them, they were so cute together,” another user commented with a crying emoji.
“Isa pa naman sila sa fave couple ko,” wrote a different Filipino with a sad emoticon.
“Sad!!! My parents,” another Pinoy exclaimed.
Breakup rumors of the couple swirled at least twice last year.
Jericho in June 2023 said that they were “keeping [themselves] busy” with their respective careers.
Separation rumors have been hounding him and Kim since 2022. It has since been amplified as they rarely post pictures of each other on Instagram.
The pair tied the knot in Boracay in 2014 after being together since 2011.
Kim met Jericho in March 2011 through the wife of actor Dominic Ochoa. They became a couple in October of the same year but only went public in March 2012.
