Coco Martin speaks up on MMFF box office controversy

MANILA, Philippines - Coco Martin is saddened that the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival was marred with scandal.

However, the ABS-CBN actor denied the involvement of his movie "Beauty and the Bestie" in any of the film fest's controversies.

"Nakarating din po sa akin yung issue na yun. Sa akin po, sasabihin ko na definitely hindi po totoo yun," Coco told members of the press during a media gathering on Thursday.

He added, "Kung ano man yang sinasabi na anomalyang yan, huwag po kayo mag-alala dahil ipaiimbistiga po natin yan kay Cardo."

A number of moviegoers alleged that there was "ticket swapping" during the first few days of the 2015 MMFF, an allegation that "My Bebe Love" director Jose Javier Reyes acknowledged.

Ai Ai delas Alas also refuted Star Cinema's announcement that their entry "Beauty and the Bestie" is number one at the box office in the 2015 MMFF, besting her movie "My Bebe Love."

In previous years, the MMFF announced the ranking of the top grossers of the film fest. For the 2015 edition of the film fest, however, it only announced the top four movies in the box office unranked.

"Hindi po ako makapagbigay ng opinyon tungkol dyan kasi honestly, wala po akong gaanong kaalaman kung ano ang patakaran nila," Coco said on the MMFF.

He added, "Kung ano man ang desisyon nila o ginagawa nila, nirerespeto ko na lang po. Basta po ako, bilang artista, alam ko nagawa ko po ang trabaho ko at napasaya ko ang mga tao."

The actor also hopes that the in-fighting within the MMFF would stop.

"Sana po ang nangyayari na lang po sana ay gumagawa tayo ng pelikula, lalo na kapag Metro Manila Film Festival, para mabigyan na rin ng regalo ang mga tao, upang mapasaya sila," he said.

"Hindi po ito para makipag-compete kung sino ang number one o kung sino ang mas malakas, sino ang mas mahina. Sana po ginagawa natin ito para sa mga tao kasi ang pangit po na nasa maliit tayo na industriya tapos nag-aaway-away tayo," Coco added.

Despite the controversy, Coco hopes to be part of the MMFF this year.