MANILA, Philippines – Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. is still keeping mum on speculations involving him and actress-television host Kris Aquino.

In a statement, Binay’s spokesman, Joey Salgado, said it is “inappropriate” for the local official to address the intrigues given that he and his 4 children are still mourning the death of his wife, Kennely Ann.

"It would be inappropriate for Mayor Junjun Binay to make a comment on the matter. Mayor Junjun lost his wife almost a year ago. He and his children are still grieving," Salgado said.

The mayor, who is the son of Vice President Jejomar Binay, is reportedly in Korea right now.

In her tell-all interview with Boy Abunda, Aquino admitted that Junjun has the qualities “that I admire in a man.” "He's been good to me. A true friend,” she said.

She also admitted that among the guys being romantically linked to her, Junjun “is the only one I've been communicating with."

"Nakilala ko siya when I was losing my mother. Nakilala niya ako when he was losing his wife. In the span of that one year, both our lives have changed so much," said Aquino.

In 2009, Kennely passed away after going through a difficult pregnancy. She died days after the death of Aquino’s mom, former President Corazon Aquino, in August of last year.

Aquino has already started the legal proceedings ending her marriage to husband James Yap.

Admiration

Meanwhile, Robin Padilla said he admires Aquino's professionalism. Padilla noted that his "Pilipinas Win na Win!" co-host still appears cheerful despite her struggles with her personal life.

Padilla, whose marriage to Liezl Sicangco ended in divorce, said: “Tama ‘yong ginagawa niya. Pagka-gising niya rehearsals. Pinapagod niya ‘yong sarili niya sa trabaho... para wala nang panahon isipin ang problema.”

He is also happy of the fact that there are no awkward moments between him and Aquino in spite of their past. Aquino was Padilla’s former leading lady. They were also romantically linked once. -Report from Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News