Actor Edu Manzano believes that his son, actor-television host Luis Manzano, is a natural fit should he decide to run for politics soon.

Edu, 68, weighed in on his eldest son's chances in politics during a pocket interview for the upcoming action-drama series "Lavender Fields," which will be shown on ABS-CBN beginning Sept. 2.

"It will always be there. He has a popular mother who has been a public servant for many years. I also had my share of public service," said Edu when asked about rumors that Luis would jump into the political arena.

"You have to sacrifice one. Hindi ako naniniwala na public servant ka and gagawa ka pa rin ng TV and pelikula. I think it's unfair.

(You have to sacrifice one. I don't believe that you are a public servant and you will still make TV and movies. I think it's unfair.)

"When I was in public service, I would only work for TV and film sa gabi. Luis has a natural charisma. He needs to be more stable mentally pero sana in time," the veteran actor said.

Edu also emphasized his son's captivating charm, which undeniably resonates with people.

"Pero kasi natural siya eh. You see how people gravitate to him. And that's very natural, especially in our kind of public service."

Asked about the possible political position for Luis, Edu joked: "I suggest he starts at the bottom. Senator agad."

Edu added: "People take care of him in the industry. He has a great career. Maybe eventually, ayoko naman sabihin na pagnag sawa (na). Pero siguro pag nag dimmed na yung kanyang interest (sa showbiz), maybe pag-isipan niya."

(People take care of him in the industry. He has a great career. Maybe eventually, I don't want to say that he's fed up. But maybe when his interest (in showbiz) has dimmed, maybe he'll think about it.)

Edu also believes you don't have to enter politics to help the people.

"It has been proven na marami siyang natutulungan, which doesn't have to be in public service. (It has been proven that he helps a lot, which doesn't have to be in public service.)

"Look at Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr. How many Filipinos have they helped and don't have to be in public service? If he (Luis) decides to run, he’ll be a natural fit," said Edu.

In July, the 43-year-old son of Edu and actress and former politician Vilma Santos-Recto admitted to receiving offers to enter politics.

"Three administrations pa lang inaantay na ako. Nakakatawa dahil pag last day na ng filing of candidacy, may mga message sa akin na 'andito kami ngayon, anong oras ka darating.' Sabi ko anong meron? Sa bahay lang ako nakasando lang ako at nakashorts. So inaantay nila ako. Hindi siya nawawala every election and even up to now.

"Redundant man sabihin, lahat tayo may obligation to serve. Lahat tayo may capacity to do it kung ano man ang ibigay sa atin ng Diyos.

"Did I ever say no to politics before? Hindi pa. So hindi rin ako magugulat kung tawagin ako ng public service itong darating na taon. October pa naman ang filing ng candidacy.

"Yes! I'm very much open to politics. If I do run, it has to be about public service. Pagbinabati nga ako para sa election, I just take it as a compliment. Minsan nakakagulat na lang pero I just take it as a compliment," said Luis.

During a separate interview, Jessy Mendiola, wife of Luis, said she would support her husband should he decide to join politics.

Edu also describes himself as a protective father to his children.

"I'm a very protective father kahit hanggang ngayon. I want to talk about Luis (Manzano). Even if he has a family of his own, a life of his own, when I know that something bothers him, I would always like to be the first one, or him, to call. He knows I will always be there for him. 

"Like my children, I have two children in New York who have their own lives; I think that would be the saddest part about being a parent when your children can't even count on you or rely on you to be there when the going gets rough," he said.

'Lavender Fields'

In the new action-drama series, Edu plays the role of Vittorio, the father of Janine Gutierrez.

Having been in showbiz for 43 years, Edu said it was his first time working with actors Albert Martinez and Jodi Sta. Maria. It's his second time with Janine. 

"I've seen Janine in Marry You, Marry Me. And about face talaga (siya). There's so much energy on the set. But when the director tells you, 'Maghanda na kayo, makikita mo na talaga ang pagbabago.' Central ang character ni Janine and she takes it seriously.

"Jodi also has her little corner working. But the best part is when you get to the set, you can see they are already in character. Ang layo nila from the real selves. So you give them space. Please don't step on their little corner.

"We all shine in different ways. I believe that the director, the ship's captain, no matter how good an artist you are, kung hindi ka talaga aalagaan ng director, will be futile regarding your performance," Edu said.

"Lavender Fields" also reunites Edu with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano.

"Everybody will tell you, Maricel (Soriano) is a challenge. Kahit na ano ang ibigay mo na eksena, kahit hindi siya nagsasalita. I have a wonderful personal and working relationship with Maricel," he said.

Edu said he loves his role in the latest series, although he said he would always think twice these days. before accepting an offer.

"Lahat ng ginagawa ko ngayon nagdadalawang isip na ako. Times are changing. If you take that first step hindi mo na mababawi yun eh. So before you take that big leap, know kung ano yung mga pluses and minuses."

On his secret to showbiz longevity, Edu said: "I respect my co-stars regardless of how young or old they are. A shining example of being a professional in the first degree will always be in my mind and my heart, Eddie Garcia."