Pokwang Reveals Why Daughter Malia Refuses to See Her Father
POKWANG – An honest conversation between Pokwang and her daughter has caught the attention of netizens after the comedienne disclosed Malia’s unexpected response about her father.
Kapuso comedienne Pokwang opened up about an emotional conversation with her daughter, Malia, revealing that the young girl no longer wishes to see her father, Lee O’Brian, who was deported from the Philippines in 2024.
The actress made the revelation during the latest episode of “Showbiz Updates” on Saturday, July 11, where she appeared as a guest to promote her upcoming Cinemalaya 2026 film, “2 Valid IDs.”
Before discussing the inspiration and story behind her new movie, the conversation shifted to her personal life, particularly her daughter and former partner.
Host Ogie Diaz asked about Malia, wondering whether she had begun to understand the events happening around her as she grows older.
“Siyempre, ang aking inaanak na si Malia ay nagkakamalay na unti-unti sa mga nangyayaring kaganapan sa paligid niya?”
Pokwang then shared that she had recently spoken to Malia about the possibility of seeing her father someday.
“Wala,” Pokwang answered. “Ito, ha. Walang echos, mare. Sinabi ko sa kaniya, tinanong ko siya, gusto mo bang makita someday si Pudreks [Lee]? Sabi niya, no. Why should I?”
The comedienne admitted that she reminded her daughter that Lee remains her father despite everything that has happened between them. However, Malia reportedly stood firm in her response.
“Sabi ko, siyempre tatay mo pa rin ‘yan kahit papaano. ‘No, you’re the one who provide for me.’ Walang echos ‘to ha. Sinabi niya talaga sa akin ‘yon,” the comedian added.
Despite Malia’s reaction, Pokwang said she encouraged her daughter to keep an open mind, believing that there may come a time when she would want to reconnect with her father. She assured Malia that she would not stand in the way if that day ever came.
“Umiyak lang siya. […] Sinabi ko sa kaniya, ‘Just in case na dumating ang oras na gusto mong makita, okay lang. Walang problema. Pero sabi niya, ‘No need,’” said Pokwang.
Pokwang has long been vocal about her legal battle with Lee O’Brian. In June 2023, she filed a deportation case against her former partner. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) later confirmed that Lee was officially deported from the Philippines in April 2024.
While Pokwang continues to move forward with her career through new projects, she also remains focused on raising Malia, navigating the challenges of single parenthood while prioritizing her daughter’s well-being and emotional growth.
READ ALSO: Pokwang Slams Basher Who Called Her ‘Artista lang”