Actor Robin Padilla Asks Lawmakers to Consider Bangsamoro History in Passing BBL

He came in early and almost unnoticed to hear the recent Bangsomoro history at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines along Kalaw Street in Manila.

Wearing a Muslim cap of alternate white and brown color, a bronze-colored jacket that seems to be an eternal part of his wardrobe and blue jeans that perfectly fitted his five-foot seven frame.

No one crowded around action star Robin Padilla and everyone seems to have conveniently forgotten that he has converted back to the Muslim faith after becoming a Jehovah’s Witness where his family religiously belonged to for decades.

What’s more, he looked quite tanned and did not have that movie star swagger. His face looked a little wan and older since the last time we saw him while promoting a movie and martial arts at a forum.

Robin was quiet in his seat and was joined later by a distinguished guest as they discussed softly something.

By mid-snack time, the hosts started giving out a bottle of water and a soft sandwich to everyone, we noticed Robin stand up for awhile and that is when some three of us women pulled him to a corner for a short interview.

He was, of course, very accommodating and quite passionate about his belief about the necessity of passing the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) which is the object of many arguments from the public, the House of Representatives and the Senate where there’s much sound and fury due to the death of 44 Special Action Force men during the January 25 Mamasapano incident.

”Why is there such much ruckus now and the honorable Senators and Congressmen are so angry that they threaten not to pass the bill? Why did they not read, re-read and study the documents to the fullest before allowing it to come out in public?” he said.

“They should have asked all the stakeholders in Mindanao to gather to express their opinion and saw that every tribe is represented. Ngayon pa ba tayo magkakagulo?” said the rugged but clean-faced actor.

”If you ask me, ayaw ko ng giyera dahil wala tayong mapapala. I abhor war even if I was not able to experience one in my lifetime. Just look at the displaced people and their families. They have lost their livelihood, peace of mind and education of their children who are supposed to be their future. What could be more painful than deprivation, lack of freedom to live a life that’s full and happy despite poverty.

“Why can’t we live and let live together in one country, province or city without threatening or killing each other? After all, we are all brothers and sisters, we are Filipinos ” he said.

Robin said that he has been gathering materials and reading and digesting them to keep himself informed of the issues concerning Mindanao and troubles it is facing these times.

“We should understand that we are a country of diverse people , belief and culture but we can tolerate our differences and still live peacefully. This is happening in all parts of the country, so why should we be divided now on matters that should not separate us?” he continued.

Seriously speaking, Padilla emphasized the importance of knowing our history so that we can adjust and remedy political, social and economic problems that has been besetting us as a nation since time immemorial. He said knowing our roots should make us aware that we are not perfect but we must work towards becoming one. (PNA) LAM/LOR