Communication lines, now open between John Estrada and Janice de Belen

John Estrada (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Actor John Estrada and ex-wife Janice de Belen are on speaking terms again, and they have their daughter Inah to thank for it.

Estrada revealed during last Tuesday’s interview on “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” that Inah’s decision to pursue a showbiz career is “one of the reasons” why he and de Belen are once more communicating with each other.

“Siyempre, well-being ng anak namin [ang concern namin]. Kung sinong magiging driver niya , magiging assistant niya sa mga tapings at sino magma-manage sa kanya,” he said.

He added that they have both given their eldest daughter the nod of approval to join Star Magic’s roster.

“We both agreed on that,” he said.

The actor likewise admitted that he is not closed to the possibility of working with de Belen again, in the future, saying that: “Never kong sinabi na ayaw ko siyang makasama.”

Estrada and de Belen, who were married in 1992, separated in 2001; with accusations of the former being romantically involved with television host Vanessa del Bianco.

When asked if he had advised Inah to be on the lookout for cheaters among potential suitors , Estrada was quick to reply: “Ang magnanakaw ay takot sa sariling magnanakaw.”

“Alam niya na pag may ginawa siyang hindi kaaya-aya ay lagot siya sa akin at ganoon din siguro kay Janice, lagot siya sa amin,” he added.

Estrada, who remarried in 2011 to former beauty queen Priscilla Meirelles, describes himself as more “mature” now.

“I guess nag-mature na ako. There’s a difference between being friendly and being malandi,” he said. “I can be too friendly but if my wife says that it’s wrong, then I’ll stop being too friendly.”