A lot of netizens seem to be questioning the appointment of the newest Philippine Army communications panel head, Robin Padilla, particularly asking if the Padilla is qualified for the government position.
Last July 30, Robin Padilla was elected as the new chairperson of its Strategic Communication Committee along with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as new members of the Philippine Army’s Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board.
https://www.facebook.com/YourPhilippineArmy/posts/2599606596954549
In a phone interview, Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said it was former Army chief, retired Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto who nominated Padilla for the position.
Zagala clarified that Robin Padilla declined the position especially that he’s known as a staunch supporter of the President.
“To be fair to Robin, ayaw niya (sana). Sabi niya,’ kung puwede, ‘wag na lang ako kasi, you know, there’s politics, people think I’m a supporter of the President,’” Zagala said.
Netizens reacted negatively to Padilla’s appointment and asked if the new appointed official has the credentials for the job.
https://twitter.com/Istrayber/status/1296047749662744583?s=20
https://twitter.com/ellaamarasigan/status/1296270290041704451?s=20
Other netizens also recalled that he is a convicted criminal who was sentenced to eight years in 1994 for illegal possession of weapons.
Ex-convicts & ex-addicts can hold lucrative government positions. Our taxes pay for their salary!
At a time when 45.5% of Filipinos lost their jobs, a person of dubious qualifications gets hired! https://t.co/QJO71wOT3O
— Markus Villa (@markusforleni) August 19, 2020
Why are my parents taxes paying for the salary of Robin Padilla and being appointed for a government position he has no background at all. What makes Robin Padilla qualified for the position?Robin Padilla doesn't deserve the position due to lack of proper training and knowledge.
— isay (@IsaganiCstlls) August 20, 2020
But to the army officials, Padilla could be a role model and an advocate to Muslim youth to deter them from terrorism acts.
“We see him as a Muslim youth advocate, someone who can influence the Muslim youth… (and) veer them away from terrorism.”
In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte granted a full pardon to the actor that restored his civil and political rights. Though he had a vibrant career in the Philippine film and television industry, his training as an Army reservist in 2019 was Padilla’s only experience in the military.
Totoong nakakakaba lalo nat malaman mo na wala namang sapat na qualification ang ipupuwesto. Kailan kaya magseseryoso ang gobyerno? pic.twitter.com/axNYGjCRbF
— iamGabriel (@viper_maverick) August 20, 2020
Ano ba ang qualifications ni Robin Padilla para mabigyan ng ganyang position? Sabagay uso naman talaga sa bulok na gobyerno ang mag-appoint ng mga hindi qualified basta magaling sumipsip. #DamnYouAll!
— #Pinkawan 🙂 (@GoToHellDevils) August 19, 2020
