Dinepensahan ng aktres at TV host na si Mariel Rodriguez Padilla ang kaniyang mister na si Senador Robin Padilla dahil sa isyung naka-middle finger umano ito habang inaawit ang Lupang Hinirang sa Senado kamakailan.
Ibinahagi ni Mariel sa kaniyang Facebook post nitong Biyernes, Setyembre 12, na ang kaniyang asawa raw ay isa sa mga pinakamakabayang tao na kilala niya, kung kaya’t “unfair” umano ang pagsasabing binabastos ng senador ang bandila ng Pilipinas.
“To claim he disrespects the flag is unfair. He is one of the most patriotic people I know—he even travels with the Philippine flag in his luggage and hangs it in every hotel room we stay in,” ani Mariel.
“His faith and patriotism are not in conflict. Serving Allah strengthens his love and service to the Philippines,” dagdag pa niya.
Aniya pa, isang “devout” Muslim si Sen. Padilla at “proud” ito na siya ay Filipino.
“My husband is a devout Muslim and a proud Filipino. During the national anthem, he recites the Kalima—the Muslim declaration of faith, affirming his devotion to Allah,” aniya.
Pahayag pa niya, hindi raw umano ito pambabastos, ngunit isang personal na paraan upang ihayag ang paniniwala.
“This is not an act of disrespect but a personal expression of faith, while at the same time standing in honor of our country.”
Ipinaliwanag din ng aktres ang nakasaad sa Republic Act No. 8491, na nagsasabing wala umanong nalabag si Sen. Padilla na kahit anong batas.
“For clarity: under Republic Act No. 8491, the law simply states: At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations,” aniya.
“Nowhere in the law does it require the palm to be “flat.” That is only a practice taught in schools and ceremonies, not part of the legal text. No law was broken,” dagdag pa niya.
Matatandaang umani ng mga reaksiyon at komento ang kumakalat na video ni Sen. Padilla na animo’y siya ay naka-dirty finger, ngunit ang mga haka-hakang ito ay pinabulaanan din agad ng mambabatas.
MAKI-BALITA: Sen. Padilla, itinangging naka-middle finger habang inaawit ang Lupang Hinirang sa Senado-Balita
Vincent Gutierrez/BALITA
