Philippines' Eumir Felix Marcial (in red) connects with a punch on Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the men's 80kg preliminaries round of 16 boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on July 30, 2024. Mohd Rasfan, AFP/File

MANILA -- The estranged wife of Filipino Olympian Eumir Marcial said she began noticing changes in the boxer after his ill-fated campaign in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

According to Princess Marcial, the two-time Olympian displayed some questionable behavior after the Paris Olympics, including changes in how he spoke and dressed.

"After Paris Olympics, ang dami pong pag-iiba sa kanya. 'Yung pananamit niya, pananalita niya, sobrang arte niya na pati sa skin niya, nag-skin care," said Princess. "Medyo ang dami kong napansin na kakaiba sa kanya."

"Lagi na rin po siyang nainom eh. Lagi na po siyang nasa club, bar, madaling araw umuuwi," she added.

Princess has accused Eumir of infidelity and abuse, and claimed to have caught the national athlete having an affair last October 2024.

READ: Eumir Marcial to address wife's allegations in 'proper forum,' says lawyer

READ: Eumir Marcial refutes wife's allegations of infidelity, abuse

This was a few months after Marcial lost to Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the round-of-16 of the men's 80kg division, marking a quick end to his stint in Paris. Marcial previously won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

"Ako mismo, focus ako [sa Olympics]," said Princess. "Focus ako sa mga sponsorships, focus ako sa mga deliverables na kailangan gawin for the brands."

"And after Paris Olympics, pag-uwi namin dito, I think that was August 14, ang dami na pong pinagbago kay Eumir," she added.

Princess revealed the alleged troubles in their marriage in a social media post last Friday, which Marcial denied. She also filed a complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Pasay City last Friday.

Princess said she bared their issues on social media due to concerns for her safety as well as those of the people around her.

"I'm concerned with my safety, not just me but my family's safety and of course the potential witnesses of the case against Eumir," she explained. "Kasi Eumir is a well-recognized athlete po. So madami po siyang connections and tao na nakasupporta din po sa kanya."

"Malalaking tao rin po na pwedeng tulungan at gawing i-twist kung ano man yung katotohanan. So I'm really concerned about that also," she added.

The couple have been together for 13 years, and married for three. They tied the knot in October 2021, a few months after Eumir's triumphant Olympic debut in Tokyo.

FORGIVENESS 

Princess said she initially forgave Eumir for his alleged infidelity in October 2024, believing that he would change. However, the situation did not improve, and Princess alleged that the boxer continued his affair with his mistress.

"Actually the moment na nagpirma ako ng affidavit of desistance yun po ay clear na pinatawad ko yung asawa ko and I was willing to give him another chance," she said. "Pero ang ginawa niya ay kabaligtaran at nagsama pa sila nung babae."

"Sa tulong ng Women's and Children's Desk sa Pasay kinasuhan po sila ng concubinage siya at yung mistress niya, na huli namin sa akto sa isang condominium sa Pasay so re-file po yung nangyari sa case kasi na confirm ko na pinatuloy yung relasyon na meron sila," she added.

Princess also issued some clarifications regarding the allegations she posted on her social media accounts, including financial concerns.

"Let me clarify my post. I posted about na Eumir withdrew our savings, which is our time deposit including yung mga savings namin sa Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association, Inc. (AFPSLAI) which is na-confirm ko po and I also have evidences about that," she said.

"I can't disclose kung saan niya winidraw but na withdraw niya iyong tatlong savings account namin without my permission," she added.

As for their properties, Princess said the titles are with her, but they are all in Eumir's name. This has been their custom ever since they got together.

"Every time bumibili kami ng property for 14 years, wala po akong pinangalan sa akin," she said. "Lahat nakapangalan sa asawa ko, dahil 'di ko iniisip 'yung property or any pera, kasi at the end of the day, mag-asawa naman kami, and para sa magiging future family namin."

However, the idea of a family with Marcial is in limbo now and has been for a while. According to Princess, the boxer changed his mind about having children.

"Supposedly, yes [we planned to start a family]," she said. "Pero nagbago isip niya. Sabi niya, ayaw na niya magka-anak. September or October niya 'yan nasabi."

READ: After Paris setback, Eumir Marcial still plans to continue boxing

Marcial, meanwhile, has lamented how Princess went public with their marital troubles. Speaking to local media in Zamboanga, he claimed that he wanted a peaceful and amicable separation with his wife.

"Maayos ako nakipaghiwalay sa kanya, maayos po ako nagsabi sa kanya na i-settle natin ito. Kung ano yung property na meron ako sa Manila, hatiin namin, ayusin namin ito. Bakit ayaw niya? Bakit niya gusto, gusto dalhin pa dito sa media, gusto pa niya kumuha ng simpatya sa taong bayan na ganito niloko siya, sinaktan siya, gumawa pa ng story?" the boxer said.

Through his lawyer, Marcial also said he intends to address Princess' allegations in the "proper forum."

"Despite the social media publication, Mr. Marcial chooses to keep family matters private and as such, shall address any and all allegations against him in the proper forum. Mr. Marcial pleads with the media to refrain from spreading misinformation to mitigate any unfortunate and unfair conclusions about him and/or his family," Atty. Marlon Morada said in a statement. 

"Mr. Marcial remains focused on his career and will continuously bring honor and pride to our country and our kababayans. Mr. Marcial hopes that he will be vindicated as he undergoes our due process," he added. -- From a report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News