Coco Martin was quick to defend his “Walang Hanggan” co-star Paulo Avelino who’s in hot water for the “joke” he made at the recently concluded 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards which offended members of the Entertainment Press Society, Inc. (EnPress).

The multi-awarded actor deemed that “minsan may mga nasasabi tayo na hindi natin totally mini-mean.”

“Baka joke lang sa kanya (Paulo) ‘yon, hindi niya akalain na magiging malaki ang epekto nun,” he told Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the press, Thursday afternoon.

Recall that at the awards show, Paulo said, “Mahirap magtrabaho ng napipilitan ka lang,” which was believed to be referring to the EnPress’ last-minute request for him to present an award. His manager Leo Dominguez has already apologized on his behalf.

 Coco described Paulo as “mabait” and “sincere” to everyone he works with and serious with his craft.

“Sa pagkakakilala ko sa kanya, talagang aktor siya. Sobrang dinidibdib niya ‘yung bawat role na ginagawa niya, nag-aaral siya. Kaya kung mapapansin po natin ang bilis ng paggaling niya, ang bilis niyang matuto kasi willing siya eh. Baka nami-misunderstood lang po siya,” he related, belying notions that Paulo has grown arrogant.

Dubbed a “youth idol,” Coco’s stance on various matters has apparently earned considerable significance. Since it’s two months away from the election, we asked him how he’ll cast a wise and responsible vote.

“Gusto kong alamin ‘yung background nila (candidates), kung anong gusto nilang mangyari sa bansa natin kung saka-sakaling manalo nila. Gusto kong gumawa ng ‘imbestigasyon,’ pero para sa’kin lang ’yun. Aalamin ko kung sino ’yung taong ibo-boto ko,” he said.

He applies the same sense of commitment on the political personalities he endorses. Coco believes that celebrities have the power to influence their supporters in making informed choices.

“Bilang artista, siyempre malaki ang responsibilidad natin sa mga taong humahanga sa atin, (kaya) gusto ko po sanang gamitin ’yung pagkakataon. ‘Yung mga napili ko alam ko na sila ’yung totoong makakatulong at totoo ’yung hangarin nila na makatulong para bigyan tayo ng pagbabago,” he explained.

Coco campaigned for President Noynoy Aquino during the 2010 election, and continues to support his objectives. For this campaign period, the actor pledged support for the likes of Aurora Representative Sonny Angara and former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Chairperson Grace Poe-Llamanzares for the senate race.

He even took time off from his insanely hectic schedule (he now tapes five times a week for “Juan dela Cruz,” he revealed) to join Cong. Sonny for the latter’s university belt tour held Thursday afternoon. They went around Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, and the Philippine Women’s University, where the actor gamely performed two songs each and related the advocacies he shares with Cong. Sonny – particularly education and senior citizen’s rights.

 For Coco, taking part of these campaign activities hits two birds in one stone:

 “Isa ‘tong paraan para makatulong sa bayan… at napapasaya ko sila.”