MANILA, Philippines — Actress Angel Locsin publicly called on Senator Robin Padilla to "wake up" in a strongly worded open letter on Thursday questioning the actor-turned-lawmaker's recent political positions and expressing disappointment over his departure from the ideals they once admired together.
Locsin's statement came after Padilla made headlines during the ongoing Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. During the proceedings, the senator remarked, "Komunista po ako," while questioning lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan Lotoc Jr. about the alleged "Operation Romanov."
Sharing a screenshot of Padilla's statement on her social media accounts, Locsin said the remark reminded her of the Robin Padilla she once knew.
"Nung mga panahong magkasama tayo, madalas mong ikwento yung panahon na namundok ka at nag-armas para ipaglaban ang bayan. Sabi mo pa nga, dinadalaw ka ng ex mo sa bundok," she wrote.
("Back when we were together, you often told me stories about the time you went to the mountains and took up arms to fight for the country. You even told me your former girlfriend would visit you there.")
"Sa statement mo na 'to, kahit papaano, natuwa akong makita ulit yung dating Robin Padilla na nakilala ko. At least, honest ka ngayon, Kuya."
("With this statement, I was somehow glad to see the Robin Padilla I used to know again. At least you're being honest now, Kuya.")
The actress then questioned why Padilla remained silent when she was previously subjected to red-tagging despite, she said, knowing the allegations against her were false.
"Ang tanong ko lang, nasaan ka nung panahong nirered tag ako kahit alam mong hindi totoo?" she wrote.
("My only question is, where were you when I was being red-tagged even though you knew it wasn't true?")
"Actually, kasama mo pa nga at kachikahan yung mga nangre-red-tag. Naghugas-kamay at pumikit sa katotohanan."
("In fact, you were even with and chatting with the people who were red-tagging me. You washed your hands of it and chose to close your eyes to the truth.")
Locsin also criticized what she described as Padilla's shifting priorities in public office, saying many Filipinos had supported his Senate bid because they expected him to be a strong advocate for the country's 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? Naniniwala ka ba talaga na siya ang 'appointed son of God'?"
("One of the biggest reasons many Filipinos voted for you was because they expected you to become a courageous voice for our Muslim brothers and sisters. But why does it seem that you're defending Quiboloy even more? Do you really believe he is the 'appointed son of God'?")
The actress also expressed disappointment over Padilla's position on China, saying it was inconsistent with the patriotism she once admired in him.
"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."
("You are one of the most patriotic people I've ever known. You were like Andres Bonifacio. That's why it saddens me whenever I read your stand on China. This is not the Robin Padilla I knew and admired.")
Locsin concluded her letter by reminding Padilla of their shared beginnings in life and the responsibility they owe to the Filipino people.
"Kahit paano, alam kong halos pareho tayong landas na dinaanan. Galing sa hirap, nagtrabaho 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."
("In many ways, I know we've walked almost the same path. We came from humble beginnings, started working at a young age, and were embraced by the people whom we entertained. Our debt of gratitude is to God and to all Filipinos—not just to one person.")
She ended the message with a direct appeal to the senator.
"Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat."
("Enough, Kuya. Wake up. It's not too late.")
Locsin has long been one of the entertainment industry's most outspoken voices on social and political issues, frequently speaking out on human rights, disaster response, and government accountability. She has also previously denounced red-tagging and repeatedly called for greater protection of civil liberties.
