Actress Carla Abellana addressed her new label as the “patron saint of concerned citizens,” a title that emerged online after her outspoken posts on social issues gained attention.
At the press conference for her new film ‘Selda Tres’, an official entry to the 7th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival, Carla admitted she’s not sure where the title originated.
“Hindi ko nga po alam kung saan nanggaling ‘yan (patron saint of concerned citizens). Basta ako lagi ko lang sinasabi of course na handa kong ipaglaban kung ano ang tama o kung may injustice man or makabuluhan na dapat ipaglaban, ipagtanggol, gagamitin ko ang boses ko saka pangalan ko. May opportunity po ako na pinakikinggan so I try my best na gamitin ito sa tama,” she said.
@lionheartv @Carla Abellana reacts to being tagged as the ‘Patron Saint of Concerned Citizens’ #CarlaAbellana #EntertainmentNewsPH #TiktokTainmentPH #BestOfTiktokPH #NewsPH #LionhearTV #RAWRNation
Carla also emphasized that injustice is a daily reality.
“Injustice happens everyday na kahit sabihin nating walang nangyayari ngayon sa bansa natin, applicable naman po siya, relatable siya anytime. It happens everyday, ang injustice po, at dapat everyday po nating ilalaban kung ano po ‘yung tama,” she explained.
Her ‘Selda Tres’ co-stars backed her up. Cesar Montano praised Carla’s stance: “There’s so much truth about what she was saying. Totoo naman iyon, totoo ‘yung sinasabi niya. And nakakatuwa ‘yung ginawa siyang ‘Patron Saint,’ at saka to fight for righteousness is what we need to do. You have to fight for righteousness kahit ano pang mangyari sa iyo. A very good example to that is Charlie Kirk.”
Meanwhile, JM de Guzman connected the film’s message to current issues.
“Medyo nakaka-trigger na ‘yung mga nangyayari sa bansa natin. Andami nang… paano ko ba sasabihin iyon? Siguro I’m hoping, na sa pelikula po namin ay may mensahe kaming maibigay, at may mapulot din po ‘yung audience natin with regards nga po doon sa nangyayari sa bansa natin,” he said.
‘Selda Tres’, directed by GB Sampedro, follows a law office messenger who, after being wrongfully incarcerated, becomes a paralegal helping former cellmates fight for justice. The cast includes Aaron Villaflor, Kier Legaspi, Victor Neri, Isay Alvarez, Perla Bautista, Jeffrey Tam, Tanjo Villoso, and Johnny Revilla.
The film screens from September 24 to 30 in Gateway, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Antipolo, SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, Trinoma, and Market! Market! cinemas.
Carla previously went viral after reacting to the revelation that controversial contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya own numerous luxury cars. On Instagram, she reposted a clip from their interview with Julius Babao showing two Lincoln Navigators worth ₱16 million each, with the text: “Luxury Car Haul with Sarah and Curlee Discaya.”
