Veteran actor Aga Muhlach has spoken out following a wave of online speculation involving his daughter, Atasha Muhlach, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. The rumors, which quickly circulated through social media and various vlog channels, suggested an alleged personal connection between the two public figures—claims that both Atasha and her family have firmly denied.
With his usual grace and calm demeanor, Aga addressed the situation with clarity and concern, emphasizing the importance of protecting one’s family from misinformation in the digital age.
The Rumor That Sparked the Attention
Over recent weeks, a number of unverified sources online claimed that Atasha Muhlach was in a close personal relationship with Mayor Vico Sotto. The stories quickly escalated, sparking widespread attention and drawing reactions from fans and commentators alike. However, neither party had ever confirmed any interaction, and both remained silent—until Atasha decided to speak for herself.
In an interview posted by talent manager Ogie Diaz, Atasha calmly set the record straight:
“To clarify things once and for all, I do not know Mayor Vico personally,” she said. “I only know some of his relatives from work and family events. These stories about us are completely untrue.”
She also expressed that while she understands the nature of public curiosity, she hopes people can be more responsible with what they share online.
Aga Muhlach Responds: “Family Is Our Priority”
Aga Muhlach, known for his long-standing career in Philippine film and television, offered a thoughtful response when asked about the issue.
“As a parent, my main role is to support and protect my children,” Aga said in a brief statement to media. “We understand the world we live in today, where stories—true or not—travel fast. But we’re grounded in facts, not rumors.”
He added that he and his wife, Charlene Gonzales, raised Atasha and her twin brother, Andres, to value integrity and focus on their goals—not on public noise.
“We trust Atasha and are proud of how she has carried herself through all of this,” he said.
The Value of Clarifying the Truth
Though the story was quickly proven to be untrue, it serves as another reminder of how fast misinformation can spread, especially when it involves well-known public figures. Online platforms have made it easier for anyone to post content, and unfortunately, some creators use misleading headlines to gain views.
In Atasha’s case, her name trended online not for a professional achievement, but for something that had no basis in truth.
“It’s disheartening,” she admitted. “People forget that behind public names are real individuals with families who are affected by these things.”
Her response, however, has been praised as graceful and mature—choosing to address the issue without drama or anger.
Vico Sotto: Focused on Public Service
Mayor Vico Sotto, a public servant known for his transparency and work ethic, has not issued a direct statement, but sources close to his office confirmed that there is no truth to the rumors.
A member of his team shared off-record that “the Mayor is focused on his duties and has no connection to the story circulating online.”
Lessons from the Incident
While no harm was ultimately done, the incident has led to wider conversations about the responsibility of both content creators and online audiences. Celebrities and public servants often accept that they will be subject to public interest—but that interest must be met with truth, not imagination.
“We can all do better,” said Aga. “Before sharing a story, let’s ask: is it fair? Is it verified? Would I want this said about my own child?”
Moving Forward
Atasha continues to focus on her work in the entertainment and fashion industry, recently appearing in several brand campaigns and preparing for a hosting project. She thanked her supporters for standing by her and expressed her desire to move forward positively.
“I hope this experience encourages more thoughtful conversations online,” she said. “Let’s choose kindness and accuracy.”
As for Aga and the rest of the Muhlach family, their stance remains clear: love, truth, and family come first—and that’s more powerful than any rumor.