Actress Bela Padilla has broken her silence regarding the controversial casting of her uncle, Senator Robin Padilla, in the ABS-CBN series Blood vs Duty, emphasizing that her personal convictions remain separate from his political affiliations.
The statement follows a wave of online scrutiny after the Senator joined the primetime drama, coupled with his recent public support for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa amid an ICC arrest warrant controversy.
Bela clarified that she had no hand in his inclusion in the show.
“Because of recent events, and since I’m being asked daily, I wish to express my thoughts on the issue surrounding the casting of my uncle in Blood vs Duty, and the current situation hounding the Senate.”
While acknowledging the kindness the Senator showed her family during her youth, the actress noted that their paths have diverged significantly, noting they had not seen each other for three years until a recent shared call time on set.
“But as our careers flourished and took different directions, with him entering politics, our personal encounters have become scarcer. Our ideologies also differed. I do not live close to my uncle… I haven’t seen Tito Robin until we shared the same call time last Friday.”
Bela, known for being vocal on social issues, recently questioned the presence of Senator dela Rosa in the Senate despite his standing warrant.
Reports later indicated that Robin Padilla accompanied dela Rosa as they departed for Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the early hours of Thursday.
Reiterating her professional autonomy, Bela maintained that while they share a bloodline, they do not share the same stance on national affairs.
“We are related, but we manage to agree to disagree. I remain grateful to his kindness, but I also maintain an independent and personal sense of being in charge of my career, choices, and convictions.”