MANILA — Months after he referred to Vice Ganda as someone “special” in his life, Ion Perez on Tuesday denied that he is in a relationship with his “It’s Showtime” colleague.

‘It’s Showtime’ mainstay Ion Perez reveals the real score between him and Vice Ganda. ABS-CBN News

Perez was asked about the real score between him and the comedy superstar on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the story conference of his film debut “Mang Kepweng” with returning lead star Vhong Navarro.

“Hindi, sobrang malapit lang kami sa isa’t-isa (No, we’re just really close),” Perez told ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe, when asked whether he and Vice Ganda were officially together.

“Kaya siguro nag-iisip ‘yung mga tao, ganoon ‘yung nagiging reaksyon nila, kasi sobrang malapit kami… Sobrang close. Close na close kami ni Vice. Hindi na siya iba sa akin,” he said.

(Perhaps people think that way, that’s how they react because we’re very close. Vice and I are very close. He’s not a stranger to me.)

Over the past year since Perez joined “It’s Showtime” initially as “Kuya Escort” in the popular Miss Q&A segment, he and Vice Ganda have been the constant target of teasing from their co-hosts, suggesting they’ve brought their onscreen “romance” into real life.

When reminded of the saying that “jokes are half meant,” Perez said on Tuesday, “Malay natin (We never know)!”

“Biru-biruan lang (We’re just fooling around),” he insisted, referring to the hints from Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, and Jhong Hilario that he and Vice Ganda are officially together.

Vice Ganda and Ion Perez pose with their respective mothers, Rosario Viceral and Zeny Perez, as well as a child relative. Photo from Dianne W. Perez’s Facebook page

Outside of “It’s Showtime,” Perez and Vice Ganda have been photographed being affectionate with each other, as well as sharing personal milestones.

Notably, in July, the two met each other’s family members.

Perez’s new tattoo, the numbers “03 31 1976,” also fueled speculation last month, as it translates to Vice Ganda’s birth date.