WHY ZAIJIAN JARANILLA STEERS CLEAR OF COMMENTING ON FRIENDS' ISSUES

"Last Beergin" star Zaijian Jaranilla has learned to tread carefully when it comes to weighing in on issues involving his friends in the industry.

- By NATHALIE TOMADA

The 24-year-old actor, who has been close to veteran Sylvia Sanchez since working with her on past projects, couldn't avoid questions about the allegations linking Sylvia's husband, Art Atayde, and son, Rep. Arjo Atayde, to questionable flood control projects.

While Zaijian made it clear that the political controversy didn't change how he views his industry senior, he was firm about not getting involved.

"Ako po kasi, yung personal at saka yung sa trabaho, hinihiwalay ko (I keep the personal stuff and work separate)," Zaijian explained during an interview on the sidelines of the presscon for his new film "Last Beergin."

"Problema nila yun at saka hindi naman ako involved dun, bakit kailangan ko makialam or bakit kailangan may sabihin ako? Parang sa kanila na yun. Hindi ko na kailangang mangialam as ako... it's not my problem, bakit ko problemahin?"

He admitted that he doesn't pay much attention to politics. "Honestly, I don't know much about politics. I only know it's dirty, especially here in our country, sobrang gulo, ayokong ipasok pa yun sa utak ko."

Still, Zaijian acknowledged that reactions from the public are beyond anyone's control. "You also can't control what people will say and think... just like I said, what you don't know won't hurt you."

When the news broke out, Zaijian was reportedly on set with Sylvia. "Ang hirap magsalita ng wala pang pruweba na ganun talaga yun. You can't just say something and then retract it in the end.

"Of course, she was devastated (as a mom)... The least thing you can do is to be there, to be present for her. Kailangan niya ng mga kaibigan or yung mga malalapit na tao sa kanya, na nakapalibot sa kanya. Suportahan mo lang.