MANILA – Judy Ann Santos came to the defense of her good friend Sarah Geronimo, who is rumored to be pregnant due to her recent spate of canceled events.

The speculation also surfaced after the popular singer-actress announced that she will take a short break from showbiz in July and August.

A photo posted by Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo (@officialjuday) on Jul 24, 2014 at 6:45pm PDT

In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe, Santos said Geronimo deserves to take a much-needed break because she’s been working hard for over a decade now.

“Deserve niya 'yun kasi grabe siya magtrabaho. Bilang tao, kailangan nating nagpapahinga, hanapin natin ang sarili natin. Sana ibigay natin sa kanya 'yun na hindi siya hinuhusgahan,” she said.

Santos said it’s unfair for people to quickly jump into conclusions just because the singer-actress has decided to rest.

A photo posted by Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo (@officialjuday) on Jun 5, 2014 at 11:15pm PDT

“Magpapahinga lang, buntis na? Bakit naman gano’n? Hindi puwedeng gusto lang magpahinga tapos gustong mag-aral? Hindi ba puwedeng isipin muna ng positive 'yung gustong gawing pagpapahinga ni bagets? Although hindi ko sinasabing hindi positive ang pagbubuntis. It’s just that huwag natin pangunahan 'yung bata,” she said.

Noting that Geronimo is already old enough to know what’s right and wrong, Santos said the public should let her make her own decisions.

“She gave her whole life working already for herself, for her family. Ang daming sinakripisyo ni bagets. She’s 27 years old, hello naman. Kung anong decision niya, suportahan natin. Deserve niya yan,” she said.

Santos then declared her whole support for Geronimo, who she considers as her younger sister in showbiz.