Actor Robin Padilla was recently appointed as chairperson of the Strategic Communication (StratCom) Committee of the Philippine Army. The palace explained that the action star’s appointment is applicable because as a TV personality, he has a lot of influence on the people and that they listen to him.
In a televised press briefing of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, he explained that the palace will let the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) take care of Padilla because the armed forces of the Philippines know what they needed to do.
“Pinapabayaan po natin iyan sa AFP dahil alam naman nila ang kanilang pangangailangan,” Roque said.
Padilla will be the one to lead the communications panel of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB) of the Philippine Army.
The MSAB is responsible for ensuring the proper dissemination of information on the Army’s operations both within the military and between them and the general public.
According to Army Spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala, Padilla’s role will allow him to help the military in their efforts to address the country’s problems with terrorism and violent extremism.
“We see him as a Muslim youth advocate, someone who can influence the Muslim youth… (and) veer them away from terrorism,” Zagala said
“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 added.
Roque shared the same view for the actor and believed that Padilla has the capability to make the people listen.
“At saka siyempre po hindi natin matatanggihan na iyong mga media personalities like Robin Padilla, eh sila po talaga ay kilala ng tao at pinakikinggan po ng tao,” he said.
https://www.facebook.com/YourPhilippineArmy/posts/2599606596954549
Meanwhile, many netizens are opposed to the actor’s appointment and questioned his qualifications for the job. They said that the actor had no proper military training and doesn’t have enough knowledge of the job. People noted that the position should be given to someone who has the proper knowledge and experience.
Though Padilla had a vibrant career in the Philippine film and television industry, his training as an Army reservist in 2019 was his only experience in the military.
Other netizens also recalled that he is a convicted criminal who was sentenced to eight years in 1994 for illegal possession of weapons. However, in 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte granted a full pardon to the actor that restored his civil and political rights.
In a phone interview, Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said that it was former Army chief, retired Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto who nominated Padilla for the position.
It was on July 30 when Padilla became the new chairperson of PA’s Strategic Communication Committee along with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. They became new members of the Philippine Army’s Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board.
Padilla will be serving alongside committee Vice-Chairperson Muntinlupa District Rep. Rufino Biazon and other members which include Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Ruwell Peter Gonzaga, HRS Media and Communications Managing Director Harold Clavite, and fellow actor Matteo Guidicelli.
