Metro Manila, Philippines – Veteran actress Angel Locsin has broken her social media hiatus to challenge her former co-star, Senator Robin Padilla, on his political stances.
While questioning National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional director Jeremy Lotoc during the July 14 Impeachment Court session, the senator-judge told the witness: “Komunista po ako.”
[Translation: I am a communist.]
Locsin, a self-proclaimed activist, has been red-tagged in the past. She has denied any ties to the New People’s Army [NPA] and other communist groups. Her statement was prompted by Padilla’s now-viral quote.
“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,” Locsin wrote on Thursday, July 16.
[Translation: My question is, where were you when I was red-tagged even if you knew it wasn’t true? Actually, you’ve joined those who red-tag. You’ve washed your hands of responsibility and closed your eyes to the truth.]
Padilla is a vocal ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was formed under the Duterte administration. Sara Duterte formerly served as its vice chairperson.
Locsin recounted how Padilla would tell stories about his time with armed communist groups and how his ex-partner would visit him while he was with them.
“Sa statement mo na to, kahit papaano, natuwa akong makita ulit yung dating Robin Padilla na nakilala ko. At least, honest ka ngayon, Kuya,” Locsin continued.
[Translation: With your statement, I was happy to see the Robin Padilla I used to know. At least you’re honest now, Kuya.]
The actress also pointed out how many Filipinos supported Padilla as a Muslim voice in the Senate.
“Pero bakit parang mas ipinaglalaban mo pa si [Apollo] Quiboloy? Naniniwala ka ba talaga na siya ang ‘appointed son of God’?” she asked.
[Translation: Why is it that you seem to fight more for Quiboloy? Do you truly believe that he is the ‘appointed son of God’?]
Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, was arrested on sexual and child abuse, and human trafficking charges in 2024 after a violent clash in Davao. Padilla has described Quiboloy as a hero for fighting the NPA.
“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,” the actress continued.
[Translation: You are one of the most patriotic people I know. You’re like Andres Bonifacio. It makes me sad to see your stances on China. This is not the Robin I know and admire.]
The senator has expressed support for joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) between the Philippines and China. This is despite Beijing’s harassment of Filipino vessels, incursions into the WPS, and denial of the Philippines’ sovereignty over the waters.
Locsin said she and Padilla have walked similar life-paths from rising out of poverty, working early in life, finding success as entertainers.
“Ang utang na loob natin ay sa ating diyos at sa lahat ng Pilipino —hindi lamang sa isang tao. Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat,” she ended.
[Translation: Our debt of gratitude is to our God and to the Filipinos—not just to one person. Please stop, Kuya. Wake up. It’s not too late.]
