Robin Padilla Hits Back at Haters After Meeting Nicolas Torre
ROBIN PADILLA – The senator responded to criticism and negative comments after his recent meeting with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III.
Photos of the two officials together went viral on social media, leading some people to call them a derogatory term suggesting blind loyalty to their bosses. Padilla strongly denied this, saying that neither he nor Torre act that way.
The meeting between Padilla and Torre took place on January 21 during the Induction and Turn Over Ceremonies of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Quezon City. Speaking on Facebook, Padilla explained that showing loyalty in their work does not mean they blindly follow orders or lack independence. He emphasized that being respectful and loyal is not the same as being subservient.
“Pambihira talaga, bagama’t aso ang tingin n’yo sa aming dalawa dahil sa aming loyalty sa aming mga amo hindi ibig sabihin na aso rin ang ugali namin,” he said.
Padilla also shared a historical example of Salahuddin Ayyubi, the Muslim leader famous during the Crusades. Even though he was a mortal enemy of King Richard I of England and King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, Salahuddin treated his rivals with respect. Padilla used this story to show that people can work with or meet others—even those seen as opponents—without losing their principles.
He added that as a Muslim, he values respect for others while staying true to his own beliefs. He said his meeting with Torre was professional and polite, not an act of favoritism.
“Ako ay Muslim, at ang greatest commander ng mga Muslim sa akin ay sa panahon ni Salahudin Ayubi, ang matalik na kalaban ni King Richard I (the Lionheart) ng England at ni King Baldwin IV (the Leper) ng Jerusalem,” he said. “Ngunit kahit mortal na magkakalaban sa panahon ng crusade ‘religious war ng mga Muslim at Kristiyano’ nanatili ang paggalang nila sa bawat isa,” he added.