Kris Aquino is dating Herbert Bautista…

…and there’s nothing you can do about it. 

Here is Kristeta’s official statement, given on Apr 7, 2014, on Aquino & Abunda Tonight: 

“It was seven years ago when James and I publicly went through what ultimately led to the end of our marriage. It’s been four years since we were separated and two years since we were granted our annulment. We’ve learned that Bimb deserves to have both his mom and his dad involved in his life as co-parents, and that takes forgiveness and compromise. It needs acceptance that we’ve all moved forward, that James does have a long-term girlfriend, and it’s much better for all of us to be cordial, because we want what is best for our son. We have matured enough to know that though James and I failed as husband and wife, we do have the rest of Bimb’s life to succeed at being his parents.

See: Meet Tates Gana, the woman Kris Aquino is replacing in Herbert’s heart

“Wala po akong pinakilala sa mga anak ko at mga kapatid ko for four years because there was nobody I was ready for. And more importantly there was nobody that they were ready to meet. My siblings impressed upon me that I needed to become whole on my own first so as not to commit another mistake. And thank god I listened to them. It was a journey that was oftentimes lonely and painful, yet one I needed to travel to become the person I am today.

“And now there is somebody in my life who is special. Weeks before any speculation about us came out, personal po siyang humingi ng permiso sa kuya ko. Maraming iniisip si P-Noy kaya ang intindi niya nung time na iyun, may gagawin kami ni Mayor na project para sa Quezon City. Until later that same day when nag-text kaming magkapatid, natawa na lang si P-Noy na permission to date his sister pala ang hiningi.

“But that gesture gained the respect of my brother and my sisters because it showed all of them na malinis ang intensyon para sa bunso nila. Yes my family welcomed him to join us during our get-together because they want to know him better, and they want him to get to know our family. Just like other Filipino families, we are very close and we care deeply for each other.

“Sa edad, napagdaanan at estado naming dalawa, alam namin na seryoso ang pinapasok namin. We both chose public careers that have given us deep fulfillment and we do have exceptional professional and personal responsibilities. And part of that is being answerable to all of you. Ito po ang una at huling pagkakataon na pag-uusapan ko si Mayor Herbert Bautista sa puntong ito ng buhay namin — whether in my shows, interviews or my personal social media posts.

​”I promised him that our relationship won’t be a distraction in his obligations to the three million residents he took an oath of office to serve. He has given more than 25 years of dedicated public service, and my respect for him and his office is such that I don’t want to add stress, but hopefully give him inspiration. In turn, Herbert has expressed his admiration and respect for the dedication and hard work I have put into my profession. And he values the love you, my audience, and I have shared on a daily basis for almost 20 years. 

“I am 43 and on May 6 he will be 46. I’m sure all of you who are watching right now will agree when I state that staying together, choosing to love one another, requires much day-to-day effort. And if there’s something the past has taught me, it is that I can’t do this on my own. Herbert and I are partners at either the failure or the success of our being together. And we can strengthen what we have by allowing ourselves to have a chance at forever, by keeping quiet and private about what is here and now. We are a work in progress and it’s a joint project that both of us are happily undertaking with maturity, respect and commitment.”

Watch the video from ABS-CBN here:

And here is how Twitter responded:

Kris Aquino (referring to Herbert Bautista): Please allow us our privacy so we can take a chance at forever.

— ABS-CBN Corporation (@ABSCBN) April 7, 2014

Let’s all wish Kris Aquino genuine happiness. Everyone deserves a second chance. I mean, third. No, fourth. Whatever. Basta, love love love!

— Professional Heckler (@HecklerForever) April 7, 2014

So. Aling important national issue na naman ang natatakpan nitong Kris-Herbert announcement?

— Tech Support Monkey (@crazyangelblue) April 7, 2014

QC Mayor Herbert B’s Longtime Companion Tates Gana Didn’t Worry At All About Kris http://t.co/HwGnV1ksko

— Mario E. Bautista (@marioeb2006) April 7, 2014

Kris: Herbert reliable potential bf. Herbert: Kris reliable potential endorser. OF ROBBERS & LOVERS http://t.co/c9aOJyBe63 @HecklerForever

— Bee Yen (@kamoterunner) April 7, 2014