Actor Richard Gutierrez has confirmed that he and his ex-wife, Sarah Lahbati, are currently undergoing an annulment.
In an interview with Ogie Diaz, Gutierrez shared that both he and Lahbati have decided to move forward from their relationship after officially announcing their split in 2024.
“Siguro yung tungkol sa amin ni Sarah, ayoko na rin pag-usapan, yung mga nangyaring detalye. Kasi, we are actually going through an annulment now. And both parties naman want to move forward,” Gutierrez said during the interview.
(I don't want to talk about the details that happened between Sarah and I. Because, we are actually going through an annulment now. And both parties want to move forward.)
Despite their separation, Gutierrez emphasized that their priority remains the well-being of their two children, Zion and Kai.
“At this point, nakapag-move forward na yung both parties, may equal time kami with our kids. So, parang nagco-co-parenting kami. And ang priority namin is to make sure that the kids live a good life, a happy life. Kung happy siya sa buhay niya, at happy ako sa buhay ko, makikita ng mga bata yun, at ang importante sa amin ay yung mga bata,” the actor explained.
(At this point, both parties have moved forward, we have equal time with our kids. So, it's like we're co-parenting. And our priority is to make sure that the kids live a good life, a happy life. If she's happy in her life, and I'm happy in my life, the kids will see that, and what's important to us are the kids.)
Gutierrez also expressed his wish for Lahbati’s happiness as they both move forward in their lives.
“Nakapag-move on na kami pareho, 2025 na. Gusto kong magsimula yung taon nang maganda, peaceful, at happy. So, yun, let’s leave the past in the past. We’re all trying to move forward.”
(We've both moved on, it's 2025. I want to start the year off well, peacefully, and happily. So, let's leave the past in the past. We're all trying to move forward.)
He further noted that they maintain a good relationship as co-parents, ensuring their children see both parents happy and united in their efforts.
“Yes, actually nagsalita rin naman siya sa media na she’s single. Basta ako, ang wish ko lang maging masaya siya sa lahat ng nangyayari or desisyon niya. Kasi ako, moving forward, happy rin ako. Iyun ang importante sa amin, kasi kapag happy siya, makikita ng kids yun, and maapektuhan ang kids. At ako rin kapag happy ako, makikita ng kids yun.”
(Yes, she actually also spoke to the media that she’s single. As for me, I just wish that she be happy with everything that happens to her or her decisions. Because I, moving forward, am also happy. That’s what’s important to us, because when she’s happy, the kids will see that, and the kids will be affected. And when I’m happy, the kids will see that too.)
Gutierrez and Lahbati had been together for over five years since tying the knot in 2020.
In 2024, the couple sparked buzz on social media when eagle-eyed netizens spotted notable changes in Lahbati's Instagram feed.