MANILA – Raquel Pempengco has asked the public not to be quick in judging her child, Charice, just based on what they hear or see following the breakup between the singer and live-in partner Alyssa Quijano.

In a lengthy Facebook post, an obviously hurt Mrs. Pempengco defended Charice against those branding the singer as “laos” (has-been).

Mrs. Pempengco reminded bashers that Charice has given pride to the Philippines countless of times.

“Sa lahat po ng sumusubaybay sa anak kong si Charice... huwag naman ninyo masyadong husgahan ang anak ko ayon lang sa nakikita nyo. Laos, purdoy, at nakikitira. Mga haka-haka lamang pero walang kasiguraduhan. Si Charice eh naka tatak na ang pangalan na nagbigay karangalan sa bansang Pilipinas para sabihan na laos,” she wrote.

Mrs. Pempengco said it was also Charice’s decision to take some down time away from the limelight.

“Kung di man po siya lumalabas sa entablado, 'yun eh sariling choices nya. Minsan na ring ibinigay sa atin ang kasiyahan bilang isang mahusay na mang aawit di lamang dito kundi sa ibang bansa. Kaya bigyan naman po natin xa ng chance para pagbigyan naman kung ano ang gusto nya sa kanyang pag awit,” she sadi.

Denying rumors that Charice is temporarily staying with a friend, Pempengco said she recently visited the singer.

“Respeto lamang po bilang pag respeto ng ibang lahi sa kanya... sa katunayan nyan dinalaw ko xa sa bahay niya, buti pinapasok ako ng guard, nadatnan ko lang ang mga alaga kong si Chacoy at Yeye,” she said.

She ended her post with a message for Charice, saying: “Basta lagi mong tandaan na andito lang ako in case na kailangan mo ko.”

Last week, Carl Cabral, Charice’s handler, exclusively confirmed the singer’s split with Quijano in a text message sent to ABS-CBN News' MJ Felipe.

"Yes, Charice and Alyssa have broken up and it was a mutual decision," said Cabral, before adding: "Charice is not accepting any interviews and now taking a break. He's doing fine and he's happy. Thank you very much."

Charice and Quijano first admitted their relationship back in 2013. After celebrating their anniversary last year, the two said they were already talking about having a child and getting married.