After communist remark, Angel Locsin questions Robin Padilla over silence on red-tagging

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

July 16, 2026 | 9:33am

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Angel Locsin has publicly called on Sen. Robin Padilla to wake up, expressing disappointment over what she described as the lawmaker's changing political positions while recalling their past friendship.

In a Facebook post addressed to Robin, whom she referred to as "Kuya," Angel recalled the stories he used to share about his younger years.

"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 said.

She said Robin's remarks during the July 14 impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, in which he described himself as a communist, reminded her of the person she once knew and admired.

"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 said.

Angel also questioned Robin's silence when she was subjected to red-tagging, saying he knew the accusations against her were untrue.

"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," Angel said.

The actress likewise questioned the senator's priorities as a public official, saying many Filipinos had supported him because they expected him to champion the interests of the 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'?" she said.

Angel also expressed disappointment over Robin's stance on China, saying it was different from 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,” the actress said.

She went on to reflect on what she described as the similarities in their personal journeys, saying they both came from humble beginnings and owed their success to 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," the actress said.

Angel concluded her message with a direct appeal to the senator.

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

As of publication, Robin had not publicly responded to Angel's statement.

The two worked together in GMA's 2007 fantasy-adventure television series "Asian Treasures."

What happened before?

Angel has long been a target of red-tagging.

Former military officials repeatedly accused the actress of having links to communist groups, while former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy frequently singled her out over her humanitarian work and advocacies, especially during the Duterte administration.

The actress consistently denied the allegations and publicly defended herself against the accusations.

Badoy, who has been outspoken on social media in accusing personalities she claims have links to communist groups, has yet to comment on Robin's remarks.

RELATED: Angel Locsin defends stepson Joaquin Arce vs 'nepo baby' remark