David Licauco on Barbie Forteza-Jak Roberto’s split: ‘Wala akong kinalaman’ (2025)

(From left) David Licauco, Barbie Forteza, and Jak Roberto. Images: Screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network, Instagram/@barbaraforteza

David Licauco might have developed a closer friendship with his onscreen partner Barbie Forteza, but he reiterated that he had no role in Forteza’s breakup with her ex-boyfriend Jak Roberto.

Licauco was directly asked about his involvement in the breakup of Forteza and Roberto during a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview aired Wednesday, April 16, as he was confirmed to be single at the height of the ex-partners’ split.

The “Stairway to Heaven” star confirmed that she and Roberto had broken up in January of this year, while the “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” star, being single, caught the attention of netizens in the same month.

“One thing is for sure, I’m not part of their breakup. Before, Barbie and I never really texted talaga, especially noong sila [pa ni Jak]. Pretty much, hindi ako naging parte diyan… wala akong kinalaman,” he said.

(One thing is for sure, I’m not part of their breakup. Before, Barbie and I never really texted talaga, especially when she was still with Jak. Pretty much, I was not part of it. I have no involvement with it.)

In the show’s “Fast Talk” segment, Licauco responded with “depende (or it depends)” if there is a chance for him and Forteza to be together. This led to Abunda asking if they could be together at this time.

“Who knows? Whatever happens, happens. If it happens, if it happens. I’m just going with the flow,” he said.

The 30-year-old actor said he and Forteza have grown very close since then. “Minsan, nagkakamustahan kami via text: what’s happening, kamusta siya, ano bang ginagawa niya (Sometimes, we catch up through text with what’s happening. I ask how she is? What is she doing). We talk about everything and nothing,” Licauco said, adding that she was one of the first people to know about his casting in the film “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan.”

“We were shooting Pulang Araw, and we had a scene together. And that was the day I accepted the role… she is supportive when it comes to these things. Of course, as actors, you wanna grow out and inside of the love team,” he further explained.

Single life

Licauco revealed during the interview that he had been single since September of last year, although he didn’t disclose the identity of his ex-girlfriend. He also admitted that he had been busy enjoying his single life, so he didn’t realize how much time had passed since then.

“I’ve been really working on myself. All for self-improvement. Every day, I try my best. Mas na-appreciate ko lahat ng mga bagay (I appreciate things more). I have been enjoying it,” he said.

The actor also shared that he has been working on improving his “communication skills,” which he noted as one of his “biggest insecurities.”

Feeling ko marami akong insecurities (I feel like I have a lot of insecurities), and one of those is communication skills before. I feel I [have improved] and I’m really proud of myself because I’ve been working hard. Every day, I would watch podcasts and take notes,” he said.

When asked if he is ready to get married, he said he is “not rushing into it,” despite being ready with certain factors.

“Emotionally, financially, and physically, I think I’m ready. Career-wise, I’m not yet ready,” he added.

Licauco is the lead star of “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,” which also stars Sanya Lopez, Joel Torre, Soliman Cruz, Buboy Villar, Chariz Solomon, and Lapillus’ Chanty.