Actor Coco Martin has once again made it clear that politics is not part of his future plans, while also revealing that he turned down a lucrative endorsement deal from a gambling company because it goes against his personal principles.
Speaking during a recent contract signing event with Regasco, the Kapamilya Primetime King addressed recurring questions about a possible political career.
“Matagal na matagal na iyan. Almost every election, palagi akong tatanungin niyan. Paulit-ulit na sinabi ko na, honestly, wala akong interes kasi nakita ko kung gaano kahirap,” Coco said.
While acknowledging that there are dedicated public servants in government, the actor admitted that the challenges of politics are not something he wishes to take on.
“Mayroon naman tayo talagang matitinong politicians pero napakahirap ng sitwasyon,” he added.
Instead of entering public office, Martin said he prefers helping people through his own means and platform.
“Kaysa ang gawin ko is ilagay ko ‘yong sarili ko doon and after that siyempre iba-iba ang intensyon sa ‘yo ng tao, e. Depende kung ma-appreciate nila ang ginagawa mo or sisirain ka nila.”
The actor also spoke about being selective when it comes to endorsements, sharing that he recently declined an offer from a gambling company despite the substantial amount involved.
“May kumuha sa akin na gusto ako ng mag-endorse ng gambling. Sabi ko, hindi ako magsasalita tungkol doon kasi hindi ko pananaw sa buhay ‘yon. Kasi sabi ko, nagsimula ako sa pinakamababa hanggang umabot ako rito.”
He explained that his success was built through hard work rather than luck.
“Hindi ko inaano ang buhay ko sa swerte o sa sugal na baka jumackpo. Kasi para sa akin ang lahat ng pinaghirapan mo alam mo kung paano pahahalagahan.”
According to Martin, the company returned with an even bigger offer after he initially declined.
“Tinanggihan ko yung nag-aalok sa akin ng endorsement. And after that, binalikan ako.”
The actor admitted he was surprised by the amount being offered.
“Hindi ko akalain na sa tanang buhay ko ay ooperan ako ng ganoong kalaking halaga.”
Before making a final decision, Martin discussed the matter with longtime partner Julia Montes and his management team.
“Diniscuss namin ‘yon ni Julia and manager and sabi namin, aanhin namin ang ganitong klaseng halaga kung ano naman ang masisirang buhay ng mga tao.”
Despite rejecting the endorsement, Martin clarified that he is not condemning people who engage in gambling.
“Hindi ko sinasabi na against ako pero sinasabi ko lang ang personal na opinyon ko kasi sabi ko nga na marami akong nakita na naging hobby ito and after that nasira ang buhay. Parang hindi ko kaya iyon.”
The actor emphasized that protecting his reputation and the trust people place in him remains a top priority.
“Sabi ko nga, hindi porket may nagbigay sa akin ng trabaho, gina-grab ko agad. Sabi ko, mahaba na rin pinaghirapan ko kaya kailangan mas maprotektahan ko yung pangalan ko, yung dignidad na pinanghahawakan natin ngayon.
“Kasi ayon pinagkakatiwalaan sa akin ng mga tao and ayon ang ayaw na ayaw ko na masisira.”
