Sofronio Vasquez’s with his handler Gio Santos. Image: Instagram/@giodextersantos

“The Voice USA” Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez’s handler, Gio Santos, has dismissed rumors linking them together after a photo of them went viral on social media.

Santos took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Feb. 14, to squash the claim of an online website that he and Vasquez are romantically involved.

“Handler ako ni Sofronio. Hindi kami mag-jowa,” he stressed. (I’m Sofronio’s handler. We are not in a relationship.)

Image: X/@giodextersantos

The handler’s statement came after an online page posted his and Vasquez’s photo saying that the latter returned to the Philippines for his upcoming concert with his “boyfriend” by his side.

Netizens took to the comments section to lament the fake news, emphasizing that it’s a “disrespect” to Vasquez, who recently brought pride to the Philippines after becoming the first Asian and Filipino winner in “The Voice USA.”

“The last thing we want to give Sofronio is a cheap chismis. Let’s savor his victory. His talent can make him win internationally so people please focus on that. Regardless of his sexuality, support tayo dapat (we should show support). ‘Yun ang pinoy dapat (That’s how a Filipino should be). Hindi ‘yung hahanapan ng machichismis ‘yung tao (instead of creating rumors about the person),” weighed in one X user.

Image: X/@giodextersantos

The New York-based singer recently returned to the Philippines to stage his first solo concert in Cebu. He was also one of the special guests at Ogie Alcasid, Louie Ocampo and Ryan Cayabyab’s Valentine’s concert.

Vasquez recently signed with Republic Records in New York for his musical career. Before his foray into the international stage, the Filipino singer joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” on “It’s Showtime” in 2016 but fell short to qualify for the finals.

The following year, he competed in the local singing competition again and reached the semifinals. In 2019, the Filipino singer joined for the third time as part of the “TNT All-Star Grand Resbak” contestants and finished as a grand finalist.