Award-winning Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo is not holding back when it comes to defending his family—especially his stepson, Alex Jazz Mercado, the 16-year-old son of his wife, actress Jennylyn Mercado.

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Jennylyn uploaded a heartwarming video on social media showing a day out with her children—Jazz and Calix Andreas Ho, Dennis’s son from a previous relationship with actress Carlene Aguilar. The video showed the family spending time together at a mall, engaging in activities and shopping at the National Geographic store.

“Spending the day with my boys, discovering wonders and picking up some cool stuff at the National Geographic store,” Jennylyn wrote in her caption.

However, what was supposed to be a joyful family post quickly drew unwelcome attention from some netizens who made insensitive remarks about Jazz in the comments section. One user commented, “Parang may autism anak ni Jen” (“Jen’s son seems like he has autism”), which sparked a strong response from Dennis.

The actor, known for his calm and dignified demeanor, responded with a pointed question: “May problema po ba kayo sa may autism?” (“Do you have a problem with people who have autism?”)

Another netizen, referring to Jazz’s behavior in the video, commented, “Parang malamya” (“He seems soft”), to which Dennis clapped back sharply, saying, “Wow hiyang-hiya naman ako sa pagmumukha mo” (“Wow, your face is truly something to be ashamed of”).

The comments have since been deleted from Jennylyn’s post, but screenshots shared by fans have preserved the interactions.

Jazz, Jennylyn’s firstborn with actor Patrick Garcia, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—a condition that the family has not kept hidden from the public. Over the years, Jennylyn and Dennis have spoken openly about raising Jazz with love, patience, and understanding, while also educating others about the realities of autism.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically appears in early childhood. According to the Mayo Clinic, children with ASD may display differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. As the term “spectrum” implies, symptoms and challenges vary greatly from person to person, ranging from mild to more severe.

There is no known cure for autism, but numerous therapies—including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions—can help children develop essential skills and improve their ability to interact with the world.

Dennis’s response was widely praised by netizens, many of whom expressed frustration at the continued stigma surrounding autism. While some people still misunderstand the condition, many fans applauded Dennis and Jennylyn for standing firm against judgment and raising Jazz with unconditional love and support.

One netizen wrote, “In this day and age, why are people still so quick to judge others who are different? Why can’t we just treat everyone equally and with kindness? If you have nothing good to say, keep it to yourself.”

Another commented, “The way they treat their kids—with love, respect, and unity—is truly admirable. Even though they’re a blended family, you can really see that they treat each other like real family.”

A third user remarked, “Jazz and Calix look like real brothers. It’s obvious that they’ve been raised with the right values. God bless Jennylyn and Dennis.”

Jennylyn and Dennis, who got married in 2021, are proud parents of their daughter Dylan, who turned three this year. Over time, they’ve seamlessly blended their families, giving equal love and attention to all three children—Jazz, Calix, and Dylan.

From the outside looking in, it’s clear that Dennis treats Jazz as his own son. He has consistently included him in family moments and speaks of him with pride. This recent incident only further underscores how fiercely protective Dennis is when it comes to defending Jazz from prejudice and cruelty.

The backlash from Dennis’s responses has sparked broader discussions online about the need for awareness, sensitivity, and compassion—especially on social media platforms where hurtful remarks can be made carelessly.

As one fan put it, “We need more parents like Dennis and Jennylyn who speak up, protect their children, and educate others. Saludo kami sa inyo.” (“We salute you.”)

With many netizens rallying in support, it’s clear that the Mercado-Trillo family has earned not only admiration for their transparency and parenting but also the respect of many Filipinos for standing up against ignorance and hate.