Title: “Always Late? Actor Reportedly in Hot Water as Coco Martin Allegedly Considers Firing Cast Member from ‘Batang Quiapo’!”

Manila, Philippines — Trouble is brewing on the set of one of the country’s most-watched primetime teleseryes, Batang Quiapo. Sources close to the production have revealed that lead star and creative head Coco Martin is allegedly losing his patience with one of his co-stars who has reportedly gained a reputation for being chronically late—a behavior Coco sees as a “sign of disrespect” to the entire team.

Now, rumors are swirling that the said actor’s job is hanging by a thread, with Coco himself allegedly considering removing them from the show altogether. Could this be the first major shakeup in the Batang Quiapo cast since its phenomenal launch?

A Pattern of Tardiness

According to insiders from the production team, the unnamed actor or actress has been consistently late to tapings, sometimes arriving three to four hours behind schedule, leaving the crew and other cast members waiting, frustrated, and forced to adjust the shooting sequence just to keep the schedule on track.

“It’s not just once or twice,” said one crew member who requested anonymity. “It has become a pattern. We would call time at 7:00 AM, and he or she would show up at 10:30 or even past 11. We’re wasting money every hour.”

This chronic tardiness has reportedly affected shooting timelines, created logistical issues, and delayed production deadlines—a massive concern given the show’s tight airing schedule and high production standards.

Coco Martin’s Leadership Style

As both lead actor and creative director, Coco Martin is known to run a tight ship. Those who have worked with him know he takes his craft seriously, treating each shoot with the discipline of a major film set rather than a regular teleserye.

“Coco is generous and kind, but he doesn’t tolerate unprofessionalism,” another source said. “He treats everyone equally—whether you’re a crew member or co-star. But if you mess with the team’s time, expect consequences.”

Coco, who made a name for himself as a no-nonsense leader during his Ang Probinsyano years, is said to be particularly sensitive to tardiness because it affects not only the schedule, but also the morale of the entire cast and crew.

Who Is the “Latecomer”?

While the identity of the actor remains unconfirmed, netizens have already begun speculating online, pointing fingers at a few Batang Quiapo cast members who have been noticeably less present in recent episodes or who missed promotional events.

Some netizens believe that the actor in question might be a relatively new addition to the cast, possibly someone who underestimated the rigors of primetime work under Coco’s direction.

Others suggest it might be a younger celebrity whose background is more rooted in showbiz “glamour” rather than serious acting or theater work—leading to what they call a “lack of discipline on set.”

“You can’t act like a diva on Coco’s set. He’ll give you a chance—but only one,” wrote one fan on Facebook.

The Breaking Point?

The final straw reportedly came during a crucial location shoot in Tondo, where the entire production unit was set up for an early morning scene. All cast and crew arrived on time—except the said actor, who showed up more than four hours late.

By then, the team had already rearranged the entire shooting plan, and some extras had to be sent home because the scene couldn’t be shot without the missing actor.

“Coco was furious,” one insider said. “He didn’t shout, but his face said everything. He went quiet for the rest of the shoot, but the message was clear: enough is enough.”

Cast Members Weigh In

While no one from the Batang Quiapo cast has named names, a few actors have shared cryptic posts on their social media accounts that fans believe are subtle jabs at the latecomer.

One senior cast member posted:

“Respect time. Respect your work. You’re not the only one on set.”

Another wrote:

“You don’t become a star by being late. You become a star by showing up.”

Although no names were tagged, the online community is abuzz with theories—and the pressure is now on the actor in question to shape up… or face Coco’s final decision.

Is Coco Firing Them?

So far, no official confirmation has been released about whether Coco Martin will actually terminate the actor’s contract, but insiders say discussions have already taken place between Coco and the show’s producers.

“There are concerns,” the insider said. “But Coco doesn’t want to make impulsive decisions. He’s still giving this person a chance—but if it happens again, that might be the end of the line.”

It’s said that Coco is considering either temporarily writing the character off, or quietly replacing the actor with a more professional performer.

What’s at Stake?

Batang Quiapo is not just a teleserye—it’s a massive multimedia franchise, with spin-off merchandise, a planned movie adaptation, and a dedicated fanbase both locally and abroad. A disruption in the cast, especially if done publicly, could impact the show’s image.

That’s why, according to sources, Coco is trying to handle the issue as privately and professionally as possible, though fans are already demanding accountability.

“Coco deserves better,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “He carries the whole show on his back. The least the cast can do is show up on time.”

Final Word

Whether or not this ends in a firing, one thing is clear: Coco Martin is not willing to compromise the integrity of Batang Quiapo for anyone—even if it means removing a fellow actor. With mounting pressure, the latecomer now faces a critical choice: change now or walk away.

The eyes of the nation—and the cameras—are watching.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.