JV Ejercito Explains Viral Wedding Moment With MJ Lastimosa
JV EJERCITO – The senator has firmly denied rumors linking him romantically to former Bb. Pilipinas–Universe 2014 titleholder Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, saying the speculation is untrue and was simply based on a misunderstood moment at a public event. The rumors started after the two were seen sitting next to each other during the wedding reception of Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Manotoc and Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell on January 16, 2026.
During the program, the groom’s mother, Senator Imee Marcos, introduced the guests and jokingly teased Ejercito in front of the audience, which drew laughter from the crowd. A short video of the moment was recorded by fellow Senator Robin Padilla and later circulated online, showing Ejercito smiling while Lastimosa briefly looked up from her phone. The clip quickly sparked online speculation that there might be a developing relationship between the two.
To clarify the issue, Ejercito explained that they were simply both invited guests who happened to be seated beside each other. He shared that he is a friend of Vice Governor Manotoc, while Lastimosa is close to the bride, Jamie Herrell, and that there was no special meaning behind their seating arrangement. He also said he did not expect such a simple situation to turn into a public issue, especially since the comment made during the program was intended as a lighthearted joke that everyone found amusing.
The senator added that people often make assumptions because some of the mothers of his children were former beauty queens, which has created a long-standing public image that easily fuels gossip. His eldest child’s mother is a former Bb. Pilipinas titleholder, while his former wife also held a beauty pageant crown, and both of his children are sons.
Ejercito emphasized that there is no romantic connection between him and Lastimosa and urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions based on short clips or casual moments. He maintained that the event was simply a joyful celebration among friends and that the rumors should not be taken seriously.
