Coco Martin endorses Lito Lapid for the 2025 elections, urging Batangueños to support the senator whom he considers a father figure.
During the proclamation rally of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist in Malvar, Batangas, Martin personally asked voters to back Lapid, whom he described as “Supremo” in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.
“Gusto ko rin po sanang ihiling sa inyo ang isa sa aking nirerespeto, mahal na kaibigan na itinuturing ko ring ama, hindi ako mapapalapit sa taong ito kung hindi ko nakita sa kanya ang kabutihan, kababaang-loob, pagkilos at pagiging tapat, sana po ay suportahan din natin si Sen. Lito Lapid, number 35 sa balota,” (I would like to ask for your support for someone I respect, a dear friend whom I consider a father. I would not have grown close to him if I hadn’t seen his kindness, humility, action, and sincerity. I hope we also support Sen. Lito Lapid, number 35 on the ballot), Martin said.
Lapid, in turn, endorsed the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist, led by Bryan Poe-Llamanzares, son of Senator Grace Poe.
The senator recalled how Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) played a crucial role in his family’s life, sharing that his father, Jose Lapid, was once a stuntman for “Da King.”
Lapid also recounted how FPJ was with his father during his final moments before passing away on the way to the hospital.
“Walang Lapid sa pelikula kung walang FPJ. Noong ako po’s nagsimula maging bida sa pelikula, sinuportahan po ako ni FPJ. Nagbida po ako noon sa Jess Lapid Story. Wala po si Jess Lapid Sr. kung walang FPJ. Kaya po wala rin sa pulitika si Lito Lapid na nasa harap nyo ngayon kung walang FPJ,” (There would be no Lapid in the movies without FPJ. When I started as a lead actor, FPJ supported me. I starred in Jess Lapid Story. There would be no Jess Lapid Sr. without FPJ, and I wouldn’t be in politics today if not for FPJ), Lapid said.
Jess Lapid Sr., a veteran action star, was Lito Lapid’s uncle.
Lapid and FPJ previously worked together in the 1980 film Kalibre .45, alongside the late Eddie Garcia.
Aside from Lapid and Martin, Lovi Poe, daughter of FPJ, also endorsed the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist.
Lapid is known as the author of the Eddie Garcia Law, which ensures protection, equal rights, and benefits for workers in the entertainment and media industry.