MANILA, Philippines -- It’s a one-two punch from Team Krista.

Smarting from a slew of intrigues, Krista Ranillo’s relatives, grandmother Gloria Sevilla and aunt Suzette Ranillo, defended the troubled 25-year-old actress from persistent rumors of an illicit affair with boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Upon the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s request, Sevilla issued a statement regarding the raging controversy.

Coincidentally, Sevilla, a veteran actress who starred and later produced Visayan-language films in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, played a pivotal role in the Pacquiao bio-pic produced by Star Cinema and FLT Films in 2006.

“I’m deeply saddened that some people are condemning my dear Krista,” said Sevilla whose son Mat Ranillo III is the father of the controversial actress. “I am personally requesting people to check facts before judging [her].”

Sevilla conceded: “Unfortunately, I am not in a position to speak for Krista. She’s my granddaughter and I love her dearly, but she’s of age and she’s a smart lady. I’d like to give her the chance to speak for herself. It’s her right.”

Sevilla implored for patience from the public. “You will hear from her soon. You will hear from her father Mat III soon, too.”

Arnold Vegafria, Ranillo’s manager, said his talent would hold a press conference upon her return from Los Angeles, where she has been staying with her family in the past few days.

Sevilla also asked the public to understand their plight. “I’m old. I want to enjoy my life. My family and I may be from show biz, but we are also entitled to our privacy just like anyone else.”

Instead of dwelling on the intrigues, Sevilla would rather devote her time on an impending family crisis. “We are focusing on my teenaged granddaughter Trixie’s major surgery in the US.”

According to the rumor mill, the surgery of Trixie, Krista’s sister, was allegedly paid for by Pacquiao.

In a phone interview on Sunday, Sevilla said that “the bills for Trixie’s operation are not that expensive because she’s an American citizen. I don’t know why some people are making a big fuss about this surgery . . . which is long overdue.”

Sevilla said that she and her daughter Suzette would leave for the US in time for Trixie’s surgery next month. “Krista will also stay in the US to be with her sister.”

Suzette Ranillo, Sevilla’s daughter, explained that Trixie’s surgery would be “the bone-grafting phase” in the treatment of a cleft lip and palate.

“She’s had a series of surgeries. She’s not an ordinary cleft lip and palate case,” Krista’s aunt said. “Trixie’s condition is delicate because she was clinically dead for an hour and 15 minutes when she was less than a year old.”

It was a turning point for the family, she recalled.

“Her platelets dropped enormously,” she said. “I know because I was there praying with Mat at the hospital. She’s a miracle baby, but after that she started having seizures.”

Sevilla asserted: “We almost lost her before. We cannot afford to lose her again.”

Instead of rumors and controversies, “I’m appealing for your prayers,” said Sevilla.

Krista’s aunt Suzette admitted that the intrigues have had a negative effect on their family. “Everything was blown out of proportion.”

Coming from an acting clan, she is aware that controversies are part of show business. “That’s showbiz. Live with it or leave it.”

Like manager Vegafria, Ranillo’s aunt feels strongly that the scandal won’t have an adverse effect on her niece’s career. “Krista is dynamic, smart, loving and God-fearing. I’m proud of her. I love her unconditionally. Her image is not based on rumors. It’s based on good looks and great acting,” Suzette said.

Vegafria told the Inquirer that his ward has been “suffering anxiety attacks” as a result of the controversy.

Aunt Suzette has advised Ranillo “to stay resilient in spite of the hurtful words . . . focus on improving your craft and choose projects wisely.”

As for her niece’s detractors, the aunt counseled: “Just pray for them. For God is our judge, not man. I urge them to stay out of this issue. Spare my niece Krista and brother Mat from their devious schemes.”

There’s also an observation that the scandal was concocted to drum-beat Pacquiao and Ranillo’s upcoming movie, “Wapakman,” an entry in next month’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

Said Vegafria: “I’m sure . . . that’s a question for the publicists of this movie. They’re the ones behind all this.’

Ranillo’s aunt concurred: “Thank you for the publicity. Good or bad publicity is still publicity.”

Vegafria said that Ranillo and Pacquiao only met on the first day of shooting on the set of the movie.

Topel Lee, the film’s director, said he didn’t notice anything strange during the shoot. “But that was before his training (for his recent fight with Miguel Cotto) . . . that was when all the rumors came out.”

Lee asserted that Ranillo and Pacquiao were “very professional on the set.”

Ironically, the rumored lovers play “enemies” in the movie. He’s a superhero; she’s a sultry mutant-villainess.

“They had a big fight scene and they took it seriously,” Lee recalled. “They were very dedicated and made it a point to do their own stunts. It’s easy to work with them. Manny always lightens the mood on the set and Krista is very kind to the entire staff.”