Lian Paz is taking matters into her own hands when it comes to her pending annulment case with her ex-husband Paolo Contis.
Lian and Paolo tied the knot in July 2009 at Cauayan, Isabela. Their marriage lasted for almost four years, until Paolo filed an annulment, citing that it should be considered null and void because he was on set taping during the day of their supposed wedding date.
Lian then followed suit in filing for annulment, but there hasn't been any update on the case since.
"Because he already filed, ako naman ang sumunod na nag-file," the former EB Babes member says in an interview published by Pep.ph. "Hinayaan ko siyang kumilos nung una, but this time, ako na. Pero ang lawyer pa rin nya ang nag-asikaso para hindi raw masayang ang ground works at para mas mabilis daw."
She then went on to discuss how Paolo's camp handled the annulment, noting that her estranged husband's lawyer went to her house to interview her and even filed a petition on her behalf. After which, there hasn't been any update as well.
She says, "As of now, ang sabi po it was filed na, but not moving."
Lian adds, "Four years ago, sinabi ko na 'yan sa kanya [Paolo] na ako ang mag-aasikaso. Ang sabi niya, huwag daw. Pero hanggang ngayon, wala pang ganap."
Lian is now happily engaged to her partner John Cabahug, who also stands as a father figure to her two daughters with Paolo. Their engagement, however, is not the primary reason she's seeking to finalize the annulment with her ex.
She shares, "It doesn't mean I want to get married, but I just want my freedom back."
Additionally, Lian reveals that she still uses Paolo's last name in her legal documents and IDs, which still makes her feel tied to her previous marriage. "Alam mo yung ganoong feeling? Na hindi mo na bitbit yung surname niya sa passport? Na kada magta-travel ako, Contis pa rin?"
Further opening up about why she's pursuing the annulment, Lian couldn't help but also cite Paolo's most recent breakup with former partner LJ Reyes. "Ginagawa ko ito para maayos na ang buhay ko. I'm already walking with the Lord. 2012 pa kami naghiwalay," she says. "With all evidences now, pati paghihiwalay nila ni LJ, I guess strong evidence na 'yun para ma-grant ang annulment. Kaso, di ko talaga alam ang status, if inaasikaso ba talaga?"
In August 2018, Paolo issued a statement on GMA-7's 24 Oras regarding the pending legal case with Lian. He said, "My case is still ongoing and, of course, sa atin, we have to respect our law and 'yung way ng court natin. Sometimes we really have to wait longer."
It's been nine years since the two have separated. Lian is currently based in Cebu with her partner and their children. Meanwhile, Paolo just wrapped up taping for I Left My Heart in Sorsogon and is rumored to be dating former co-star Yen Santos after a controversial breakup with former partner LJ Reyes.
READ MORE ABOUT PAOLO:
Paolo Contis On Being Unfaithful To LJ Reyes: 'I'm truly ashamed of my actions'
Yen Santos Is Paolo Contis' 'Best Friend' And 'Mother Figure', According To Lolit Solis