Angel Locsin slams 'communist' Robin Padilla: Tama na, gising na

Actress Angel Locsin on Thursday called out Senator Robin Padilla after the lawmaker admitted being a "communist" during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte earlier this week.

"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," asked Locsin.

(My question is, where were you when I was being red-tagged, even though you knew it wasn't true? In fact, you were even associating and chatting with the very people doing the red-tagging. You washed your hands of the matter and turned a blind eye to the truth.)

On Tuesday, Padilla admitted being a communist during the impeachment trial as he asked National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc about "Oplan Romanov."

Padilla said "Operation Romanov" should be viewed as a threat against the country's top leaders who have fought the communist movement, including both the Marcos and Duterte families, and therefore could also encompass the Vice President.

"Hindi ba po dapat isipin natin na 'yong Romanov ay tungkol sa threat na pumapasok sa mga pamilya ng mga namumuno dito sa ating bayan na lumalaban sa komunista? Komunista po ako, gusto ko lamang pong alam din ninyo," Padilla said.

(Shouldn't we consider that the "Romanov" issue is about the threat facing the families of our country's leaders—those who are fighting against the communists? I am a communist myself, by the way—I just want you to know that.)

Locsin, meanwhile, recalled how Padilla himself told her about his experience "fighting for the country in the mountains."

"Nung mga panahong magkasama tayo, madalas mong ikuwento 'yung panahon na namundok ka at nag-armas para ipaglaban ang bayan. Sabi mo pa nga, dinadalaw ka ng ex mo sa bundok," Locsin said.

(Back then, you would often tell stories about the time you went to the mountains and took up arms to fight for the country. You even mentioned that your ex used to 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," said Locsin.

(With this statement of yours, I was somehow happy to see the old Robin Padilla I used to know. At least you're being honest now.)

Locsin tagged Padilla's social media account in her post, but the former actor has yet to comment on the post.

GMA News Online has reached out to Padilla for comment, but he has yet to reply as of posting time.

'Tama na, kuya'

In her social media post, Locsin also took exception to Padilla's stance on recent issues, including the senator's views on the West Philippine Sea.

"Isa ka sa pinakamakabayang 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.

(You are one of the most patriotic people I have ever known. You are Andres Bonifacio. That is why it is disheartening to read about your stance regarding China. This is not the Robin Padilla I knew and admired.)

The actress also called out Padilla for supposedly defending Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and bulk cash smuggling.

"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'?" asked Locsin.

(One of the biggest reasons why so many Filipinos voted for you is that they expected you to be a courageous voice for our Muslim brothers and sisters. But why does it seem like you are championing Quiboloy instead? Do you truly believe that he is the 'appointed son of God'?)

She then asked Padilla to "wake up" and reminded him that he owes the country a sense of gratitude—not just one person.

"Kahit paano, alam kong halos pareho tayong landas na dinaanan. Galing sa hirap, nagtrabaho nang 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," Locsin emphasized.

(I know we walked almost the same path: rising from hardship, starting work early, and winning the support and affection of the people. We owe a debt of gratitude to God and to all Filipinos—not just to a single person.)

"Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat."

(That's enough, Kuya. Wake up. It's not too late.) —VAL, GMA News