Coco Martin to be more cautious in endorsing politicians in 2016

MANILA, Philippines — "This time, mas magiging mahigpit ako sa mga taong tutulungan ko at paniniwalaan ko," Coco Martin said when asked by reporters about the possibility of endorsing politicians anew for the upcoming 2016 presidential elections on Thursday.

The ABS-CBN actor was among the celebrities who openly endorsed political candidates during the 2013 national election.

He also supported the campaign of Benigno Aquino III for the 2010 elections.

The 34-year-old actor said politicians are now asking for his help for the upcoming election campaign period. But Coco said he'll more cautious this time around.

This isn't to say he regrets campaigning for Aquino and Sen. Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, the two politicians he's closely associated with during the past elections.

However, Coco admitted: "Mayroong iba [who I regretted helping]. Pero sabi ko nga, siguro sa pagkakataong ito, mas magiging mahigpit ka na."

"Kasi, kapag alam kong nangangailangan ng tulong, talagang sinusuportahan ko. Pero may mga tinulungan ako na talagang proud ako," he added.

If it seems the actor is more vocal when it comes to political issues, Coco said it's because he wants change.

"Kumbaga sa kanser, kahit maglagay ka ng bago pero gano'n pa rin ang sistema nila, kakainin lang 'yan. Kung maaari, gusto ko nga lahat bago para magkaroon tayo ng bagong lipunan," he said.

Coco added: "Kung dadagdagan lang din natin 'yan, uulit lang tayo nang uulit sa mga taong ilalagay natin sa posisyon, walang mangyayari, gano'n pa rin."

"Sino ba ang mahihirapan? Tayo pa rin."

Coco spoke to entertainment reporters during a pocket press conference for his upcoming ABS-CBN show "Ang Probinsyano," which will premiere this September.

Watch Coco Martin talk about political endorsements and his standards when it comes to political endorsements below: