Photo from John Estrada's Instagram account.

MANILA — Actor John Estrada has broken his silence regarding rumors circulating about his relationship with his wife, Priscilla Meirelles. 

In an Instagram story posted Tuesday, Estrada said that they have mutually decided to "take a break." 

"Priscilla and I have mutually agreed to take a break for quite some time now. There's more to the story but the last thing I want to do is to hurt the people I love," he added.

Instagram/@johnestrada__

Estrada also denied being in a relationship with a certain Lily Hallman, noting that he only met her in Boracay during his work break.

"I want to make it clear that I am not in a relationship with Lily Hallman or any other woman for that matter. I just met her in Boracay. I had a short break from work and felt the need for a breather," the actor said.

"This is a private family matter that's why l ask for privacy as we deal with this. Thank you!" he added. 

The actor also warned people spreading disinformation about their relationship: "Fake news, magkita tayo sa korte soon kung sino ka man." 

Instagram/@johnestrada__

But in her own statement via an Instagram story, Meirelles says she was "shocked and disheartened" by what Estrada said.

"To clarify, there was never any mutual agreement regarding our separation," said Meirelles. "We were married when I left the Philippines, and we remain married as of this time."

"While there is indeed more to this story, it is not the appropriate time to delve into those details. Regardless of what those may be, however, it won't change the course of faith," she added.

Instagram/@primeirelles

Meirelles thanked those who have supported her while expressing her hope that the issues "will be resolved appropriately."

This is not the first time Estrada and Meirelles made a buzz online. In April 2023, the latter admitted that they went through a "rough patch" but decided to stay together.

Priscilla Meirelles breaks silence on marriage with John Estrada

Meirelles and Estrada got married in 2011 and welcomed their daughter Sammanta Anechka the following year.