Actor Rod Navarro Jr. has publicly expressed his disappointment over his alleged experience while working on the hit primetime series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, claiming he was not treated properly by lead star and director Coco Martin and some members of the production team.
Rod Jr., the son of veteran actor Rod Navarro Sr., released a lengthy statement through his Facebook page on February 16. In his post, he detailed what he described as unpleasant encounters during his time portraying the character Dindo in the action-drama series, which he joined in 2024.
Alongside his statement, Rod Jr. shared a clip from a November 2025 interview of Coco Martin with television host Bianca Gonzalez. In the interview, Martin talked about helping an unnamed individual by offering employment and encouraging him to start a small business to support his family. However, Martin suggested that the person failed to maximize the opportunities given.
Rod Jr. claimed that he was the individual referenced in the interview and disputed Martin’s version of events. In his statement, he wrote, “Hindi ka totoo. Maling-mali kwento mo. ‘Di maganda pananalita mo kaya ‘di ako tumanggap ng tulong mula sayo, dahil ang sabi mo isang pagkakamali ko lang eh tanggal ako at kapag ‘di ko napalago eh ‘wag na tayo mag-uusap. May mura pa na kasama ang banta.”
He further revealed that the production team was allegedly aware of his health condition at the time, noting that he had submitted medical records before working on the show. Despite this, Rod Jr. claimed he still experienced mistreatment on set.
“Lahat ng pagpapasalamat ginawa ko sayo kahit mali ang naging trato mo at ng ibang tao sa production mo,” he said. “Bakit ‘di mo ikwento kung ano naging trato niyo sakin sa set na minumura, pinahihiya ng mga direktor mo kahit maayos naman ang trabaho ko at maayos ang aking arte.”
Rod Jr. also referenced his father’s professional ties with late action icon Fernando Poe Jr., whose classic film inspired the television adaptation. He emphasized this connection while asserting his side of the controversy.
The actor further mentioned that several individuals within the production were aware of the incidents he described.
The issue has since sparked online discussions among viewers and industry observers, raising questions about working conditions within television productions and the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect behind the scenes.