Actor Robin Padilla took to Instagram to blast the red banners with the words “Welcome to the Philippines, Province of China” that were spotted on several footbridges in Metro Manila.
Photos of the said banners appeared on social media on June 12 sparked fury among netizens. The banners were allegedly hung a day before the second anniversary of the Philippines’ victory over China in an international arbitration court.
The said banners were spotted on pedestrian overpasses in Philcoa, Quezon City; Quezon Avenue in Quezon City; C5 southbound lane; and near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Padilla, a known supporter of the current administration, said that the perpetrators behind the posting of the banners only want to imply malice in the growing relationship between the Philippines and China.
“Isang napakalaking katrayduran ang propaganda na ito ng mga taong nais bahiran ng pulitika ang gumagandang relasyon ng Inang Bayan Pilipinas at ng ninunong China,” he said.
Though Padilla did not mention anyone specific, he added that the ones behind it are probably the politicians who are in favor of the United States and European countries.
“Ang pag-ibig sa Bayan ay hindi nasusukat sa mga ganitong paandar,” he said, adding that the banners are nothing but a “stupid joke” that he considered funny as it only make people appear uneducated.
“Wala ka man lang natutunan sa Patawang Political Statement na ito. Mga mahal kong kababayan ayon sa mga ebidensya ng archeology at anthropology, ang ating pinagmulan na lahi ay Austronesian,” he said.
Padilla also said that our culture is interrelated with the Chinese way before the western invaders have influenced it. He continued by saying that the Philippines and China have already established a trade and political relationship with each other, even during the times of rajahs, datus, and sultans.
The actor also noted that 65% of modern-day Filipinos have Chinese ancestry, which is a far greater number compared to those who have Spanish, American, or Japanese ancestors.
However, Padilla countered, “Malapit ang relasyon natin pero hindi tayo probinsya ng Ninunong China! Tayo ay isang malayang bansa at malayang mamamayan.”
He went on to say that the current territorial dispute between the Philippines and China regarding the West Philippine Sea was a mistake caused by the previous administration.
“Ang sigalot sa South China Sea o West Philippine Sea ay dulot ‘yan ng mga maling desisyon ng mga nagdaang gobyerno!
“Una, sa pag-handle ng North Borneo. Pangalawa, sa Spratlys. Pangatlo, itong Scarborough Shoal na ayon sa A-1 information ay binili mismo ng ninunong China sa mga local governments ng Pilipinas ang mga lupang ginamit nila sa pagtatayo ng air strip at military base sa mga isla na pinag-aagawan,” he said.
He then reiterated, “Panahon po ito noong nakaraang administrasyon.”
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Earlier reports have stated that presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing that the ones behind the posting of the banners are “enemies of the government”.
As of press time, the Philippine National Police has deployed intelligence operatives to track down the people responsible in hanging the said banners.
