MANILA — Eman Bacosa Pacquiao addressed speculation over his decision to remove the initials “JW” with a heart emoji from his TikTok bio, saying it was meant to avoid dragging actress Jillian Ward into unnecessary issues.

In a report, it said that on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Thursday, the Sparkle artist explained that the change was made after netizens began associating the initials with Ward.

“Tinanggal ko lang po ‘yun kasi ‘pag nandoon po ‘yun, iniisip po ng tao si Jillian, na-associate po ‘yun sa kanya. Since we’re good friends, tinanggal ko po ‘yun kasi ayoko siya magkaroon ng issue,” Eman said.

He did not, however, clarify what the initials “JW” originally stood for.

Eman also addressed a cryptic social media post that drew attention online, which read: “Kaya kong labanan ang isang daang tao, pero hindi ‘yung tao na gusto mo.”

“Kaya kong labanan ang isang daang tao, pero hindi ‘yung tao na gusto mo,” the King of Talk recalled.

He said there was no hidden meaning behind the post and that he simply found it relatable.

“Natuwa lang po ako sa post. Tsaka naisip ko po na maraming makaka-relate po doon. Siyempre, lalo na sa mga cousins mo, kung may cousin kang babae o kapatid kang babae,” he said.

“Parang you’re just being protective, parang gano’n,” he added.

Eman had earlier clarified that the post was not about Jillian Ward.

In November last year, he admitted having a crush on Ward, whom he personally met that same month. Ward was also seen attending his recent boxing match in Bohol.

Eman is set to appear in the upcoming project “Never Say Die,” which also stars Ward, David Licauco, Kim Ji Soo, Raheel Bhyria, and others.