Talent manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz has spoken out in defense of Coco Martin following the strong allegations made by Rod Navarro Jr. regarding his experience on the set of ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Ogie questioned what he described as a sudden shift in tone from Rod — from previously expressing gratitude toward Coco to publicly airing grievances against the actor-director.
“Since binanggit mo ang pangalan ko, Rod Navarro Jr., eh meron lang akong gustong itanong sa yo,” Ogie began.
He then asked why Rod had previously messaged him seeking an interview to thank Coco for his kindness, if he had indeed been mistreated on set.
“Paano kang minura at minaltrato sa set ng ‘Batang Quiapo’ kung nag-message ka sa akin dahil gusto mong magpainterbyu para makapagpasalamat kay Coco sa kabutihan nito sa yo?”
Ogie further revealed that Coco allegedly offered Rod business assistance, including a ₱100,000 capital for a proposed venture, provided that a business plan be submitted.
“Inalok ka pa ni Coco na magnegosyo… bibigyan ka niya ng 100k bilang puhunan basta latagan mo lang siya ng business plan mo,” Ogie wrote, adding that the money had reportedly remained unclaimed with a staff member for seven months.
According to Ogie, Coco had extended help despite not personally knowing Rod prior to the project.
“Hindi ka naman kilala ni Coco nang personal. Lumapit ka nang maayos, binigyan ka ng chance. Lumabas ka sa ‘Batang Quiapo.’”
He also emphasized that Rod was given exposure in the series and was not treated as a mere extra. Ogie noted that when Irma Adlawan’s character died in the storyline, it was natural that Rod’s character would also exit.
Ogie then cited a previous message from Rod dated November 20, 2024, where the latter allegedly described Coco as “napakabait at napakatiyaga” and expressed a desire to publicly thank him.
“So saan galing ang hugot ng galit mo kay Coco ngayong 2026?” Ogie asked. “Paano ka tutulungan ng industriyang ito kung nakakalimutan mong maging grateful?”
The controversy erupted after Rod Navarro Jr., son of the late veteran actor Rod Navarro Sr., reposted a clip from Bianca Gonzalez’s podcast ‘Paano Ba ‘To?’ featuring Coco Martin.
In his caption, Rod accused Coco and members of the production of mistreatment.
“Hindi ka Totoo maling mali kwento mo… dahil ang sabi mo isang pagkakamali ko lang eh tanggal ako at kapag di ko napalago eh wag na tayo mag uusap may mura pa na kasama ang banta,” Rod wrote.
He also claimed that Coco and a certain “Maam Eila” were aware of his medical condition at the time, alleging he was suffering from intestinal bleeding.
“Bakit di mo ikwento kung ano naging trato nyo sakin sa Set na minumura pinahihiya ng mga Direktor mo kahit maayus nmn ang trabaho ko at maayus ang aking Arte,” he continued.
Rod further questioned whether he had been properly compensated and criticized what he described as an interview given without his consent.
“Pinagbigyan na kita sa Interview without my consent mo kay Mama Ogie (Diaz)… binigyan moko mahabang role? Asan? at kahuli hilihang tanong ko binayaran mo ba ako ng tama at pang artista?”
He ended his post by appealing for understanding and stating that he would not allow himself to be used or stepped on.
As of writing, Coco Martin and the production team have yet to release an official statement addressing Rod Navarro Jr.’s allegations.
LionhearTV remains open to publishing the side of Coco Martin and the Batang Quiapo production once an official response is issued.
