Actress Angel Locsin appealed to actor-turned-Senator Robin Padilla to “wake up,” reminding him of the patriotism and principles they once shared as she questioned his recent positions on national issues.
In an open letter posted on her social media accounts, Locsin addressed Padilla as “Kuya” and attached a news report about the senator’s remarks during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, where he referred to himself as a “communist” and discussed the alleged “Operation Romanov” while questioning National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc.
Recalling their friendship, Locsin said Padilla had previously shared stories about joining the armed struggle in the mountains in the name of fighting for the country.
“Sa statement mo na ‘to, kahit papaano, natuwa akong makita ulit ‘yung dating Robin Padilla na nakilala ko. At least, honest ka ngayon, Kuya,” she wrote.
The actress also questioned Padilla’s silence when she was previously subjected to red-tagging.
“Nasaan ka nung panahong nirered-tag ako kahit alam mong hindi totoo? Actually, kasama mo pa nga at kachikahan ‘yung mga nangre-red-tag,” she said.
Locsin reminded Padilla that Filipinos elected him to represent and amplify the voice of the Muslim community, but questioned why he appeared to be defending detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
“Pero bakit parang mas ipinaglalaban mo pa si Quiboloy? Naniniwala ka ba talaga na siya ang ‘appointed son of God’?” she asked.
She also expressed disappointment over what she described as Padilla’s changed stance on issues involving China.
“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,” Locsin said.
The actress stressed that public officials should remain loyal to God and the Filipino people.
“Kahit paano, alam kong halos pareho tayong landas na dinaanan. Galing sa hirap, nagtrababo ng maaga, tinangkilik at nakapagpasaya ng mga tao. Ang utang na loob natin ay sa ating diyos at sa lahat ng Pilipino —hindi lamang sa isang tao,” she said.
Locsin ended her message by urging the senator to reconsider his actions.
“Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat,” she wrote.
As of posting time, Padilla has yet to issue a response to Locsin’s open letter. The two previously worked together in the television series Asian Treasures and the sitcom Toda Max.
