MANILA -- Sexy actress Ellen Adarna on Wednesday avoided questions about presidential son Sebastian "Baste" Duterte after a photo of them kissing was uploaded online.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News after the press conference of her new series "Langit Lupa," Adarna refused to comment about Duterte.

"Siya na lang ang tanungin niyo," said Adarna, who just smiled amid persistent questions from media about President Rodrigo Duterte's youngest son.

A statement released by Duterte's manager neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the photo.

Rumors about Adarna dating the young Duterte first swirled after the actress posted several pictures of them together in Siargao Island to celebrate the birthday of her friend, actress Beauty Gonzales.

Adarna previously said she and the young Duterte, who has two kids, are just friends and nothing more.

But rumors about the two floated once again after she posted a birthday message for Duterte early this month.

Meanwhile, Adarna said she is enjoys doing a wholesome project like "Langit Lupa" with child stars Yesha Camile and Xia Vigor.

"Actually mas gusto ko nga. Mahirap kayang magpa-sexy," said Adarna, who was part of the sexy drama "Pasion de Amor."

In "Langit Lupa" which will debut on November 28 before "It's Showtime," Adarna will be playing a contravida role.

"Yung role ko dito ako si Isadora, basically ako ang kontrabida sa show na ito pero 'di siya ganoon ka evil. Magiging fiance ko (ang character ni) Patrick (Garcia) dito," she said.

Asked if she is turning her back on sexy roles, Adarna said: "Hindi naman sa ayaw ko pero mahirap magpa-sexy. 'Yun lang. Alam naman ng lahat 'yan, mahirap magpa-sexy."