NEWSFLASH

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MELANIE LIED ABOUT SUPPORT, SAYS HUSBAND DEREK

Manila, Sept. 17, 1998 - Action star Derek Dee could not take much more of the accusations publicly aired by estranged wife Melanie Marquez. He wrote an open letter and sent it to movie writers. Here are some highlights of that letter.

"I do not mind the frequent interviews of my estranged wife, Melanie Marquez. In fact, it is flattering to know that she is still very much newsworthy, which she certainly deserves.

"However, I feel the time has come for me to speak up, Not to do so would be tantamount to committing a sin of omission.

"Please allow me to clarify one point which seems to come up often and over which many people are concerned.

"This is the topic of my not supporting my family. This is to categorically state that every single month since the time of our separation, I have faithful given my monthly support to my family.

"Yes, I can definitely show proof of my financial support -- in addition to incidental expenses like car insurance, tuition fees, medical and hospitalization expenses, etc."

Other portions of the letter were addressed to media, and concerns the alleged child molestation case involving their young daughter. Derek appealed to the press to refrain from sensationalizing the case, because it simply breaks his heart "that her reputation may be ruined even before her life begins."

The Philippine Headline News Online editorial staff made a policy decision not to publish that child molestation story when it broke in the Philippine press, despite publication of the same story in major and mainstream newspapers and Television News programs.