MANILA, Philippines – Derek Ramsay said that his friendship with Kris Aquino is special, saying the TV host-actress is a true friend. 

“You can say we are [good friends]. If you take the green-mindedness out of it, yes, you can say that we are friends with benefits, in the sense that you know that totoo siyang kaibigan (she is a true friend),” Derek told reporters after the renewal of his contract with TV5 Tuesday, April 28.

Derek continued. “Totoo siyang tao. That’s all I have to say.”

(She is real. That’s all I have to say.) 

Derek and Kris’ friendship has been the topic of local gossip, with many saying they are more than friends. (READ: Derek Ramsay and Kris Aquino: Are they dating?)

Derek also cleared Kris’ name on rumors that he sought her help in his case with ex-wife Mary Christine Jolly.

“She helped me in my case in many ways but for just for me to be strong. She had nothing to do with my case. I don’t want that. I want the truth to prevail and it did. Nakakainsulto naman iyon sa judicial system sa Makati,” he said. (That’s very insulting to the judicial system in Makati.)

Asked if he will support Kris if she does run for a position in government, Derek said: “I believe in her and that she is a genuine and honest person who loves the Philippines. If she ever decides to run, yeah.”

As for him joining politics, Derek said: “I will never get into politics. There are so many other ways to help the country.”

Focus on movies

With his renewal with TV5, Derek said that aside from his projects with the network, he will be busy doing movies this year. His list of possible movie projects include Friends with Benefits starring Coleen Garcia, a possible movie with Kris and Eugene Domingo, a movie with Jennylyn Mercado, and another movie with Anne Curtis. 

Derek said he is hoping to work with Kris. “We got our fingers crossed that we will get this movie done and get this movie started. I would love to work with Kris because the last time I worked with Kris was for a commercial.”

“Movies, definitely I want to give something to TV5, if it would be another great way for them to generate income for the network. With the success of English Only Please, it goes to show, yung mga viewers do want something new. So it’s exciting.” (READ: Jennylyn, Derek react to MMFF 2014 victory) – Rappler.com