CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 17) — Actress Angel Locsin has publicly challenged Sen. Robin Padilla over his silence when she was repeatedly red-tagged in previous years, saying his recent admission that he once considered himself a communist reminded her of the man she used to admire—but also of the questions he has yet to answer.
In a strongly worded Facebook post addressed to the senator as “Kuya,” Locsin revisited their friendship and recalled how Padilla used to tell stories about joining the armed struggle in his youth.
“Nung mga panahong magkasama tayo, madalas mong ikwento yung panahon na namundok ka at nag-armas para ipaglaban ang bayan,” she wrote.
Padilla’s remark during the July 14 impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte—in which he described himself as having been a communist—briefly rekindled her respect for what she saw as his honesty.
“At least, honest ka ngayon, Kuya.”
But the actress quickly shifted to a more personal question that has fueled widespread discussion online.
“Ang tanong ko lang, nasaan ka nung panahong nirered-tag ako kahit alam mong hindi totoo?”
Locsin said Padilla remained silent even as personalities close to him publicly accused her of having links with communist groups.
“Kasama mo pa nga at kachikahan yung mga nangre-red-tag. Naghugas-kamay at pumikit sa katotohanan.”
Questioning the Senator’s Priorities
Beyond the issue of red-tagging, Locsin also questioned what she described as Padilla’s shifting political priorities.
She said many Filipinos voted for him believing he would become a strong advocate for the country’s Muslim community, but expressed disappointment that he appears more vocal in defending detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.
She also lamented Padilla’s positions on China, saying they no longer reflect the patriotism she once admired.
“Isa ka sa pinaka-makabayang taong nakilala… Kaya nakakalungkot pag nakakabasa ako ng stand mo pagdating sa China.”
Locsin reflected on their shared journey from humble beginnings, saying both owed their success to the Filipino people rather than to any political figure.
“Ang utang na loob natin ay sa ating Diyos at sa lahat ng Pilipino — hindi lamang sa isang tao.”
She ended her message with a direct appeal:
“Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat.”
A Long History of Red-Tagging
Locsin has been among the country’s most prominent personalities targeted by red-tagging.
During the Duterte administration, former military officials and former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy repeatedly linked the actress to communist organizations because of her humanitarian work and advocacy campaigns.
Locsin consistently denied the allegations and publicly defended herself against the accusations, warning that baseless red-tagging endangers lives and undermines legitimate civic engagement.
As of publication, Padilla has not issued a public response to Locsin’s statement. Badoy has likewise not commented on the senator’s remarks about his past.
The two actors previously worked together in GMA Network’s 2007 fantasy-adventure television series “Asian Treasures.”
The exchange has reignited public debate over political accountability, the lingering impact of red-tagging, and the responsibilities of public officials to speak out when allies face unfounded accusations.
