Angel Locsin has broken her silence by posting an open letter addressed to Sen. Robin Padilla, questioning the actor-turned-lawmaker over his past actions and political positions.
The actress shared the statement on social media following Padilla’s declaration during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte that he considers himself a communist.
Recalling their years as colleagues in the entertainment industry, Locsin said Padilla would often tell stories about his younger days and his experiences of taking up arms in the mountains.
“Nung mga panahong magkasama tayo, madalas mong ikwento yung panahon na namundok ka at nag-armas para ipaglaban ang bayan.”
She admitted that Padilla’s recent statement reminded her of the person she once admired.
“Sa statement mo na ‘to, kahit papaano, natuwa akong makita ulit yung dating Robin Padilla na nakilala ko. At least, honest ka ngayon, Kuya.”
However, Locsin went on to question why the senator remained silent when she herself became the target of red-tagging.
“Ang tanong ko lang, nasaan ka nung panahong nirered-tag ako kahit alam mong hindi totoo? Actually, kasama mo pa nga at kachikahan yung mga nangre-red-tag. Naghugas-kamay at pumikit sa katotohanan.”
The actress also challenged Padilla’s stance on several national issues, including his support for detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy and his position on China.
According to Locsin, many Filipinos voted for Padilla believing he would become a strong voice for the Muslim community.
“Isa sa mga pinakamalaking dahilan kung bakit ka binoto ng maraming Pilipino ay dahil inasahan nilang magiging matapang kang boses para sa mga kapatid nating Muslim. Pero bakit parang mas ipinaglalaban mo pa si Quiboloy?”
Locsin also expressed disappointment over what she described as a change in Padilla’s principles.
“Isa ka sa pinaka-makabayang taong nakilala. Ikaw si Andres Bonifacio. Kaya nakakalungkot pag nakakabasa ako ng stand mo pagdating sa China. Hindi ito ang Robin Padilla na nakilala at hinangaan ko.”
Ending her message, the actress appealed to the senator to remember whom public officials ultimately serve.
“Ang utang na loob natin ay sa ating Diyos at sa lahat ng Pilipino—hindi lamang sa isang tao.”
She concluded her open letter with a direct appeal: “Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat.”
As of writing, Sen. Robin Padilla has yet to issue a public response to Angel Locsin’s statement.
