MANILA, Philippines — Actress Bela Padilla addressed growing public speculation surrounding the casting of her uncle, Senator Robin Padilla, in her ABS-CBN series "Blood vs Duty," amid ongoing political controversy involving the Senate.
In her X account, Bela clarified that she had no involvement in the decision to cast Robin in the project, emphasizing that the move was solely made by the show’s executive and supervising producers.
"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," Bela said.
"Growing up, my tito Robin was kind to me and my family. I will be forever grateful for this. 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. Before then, I saw him 3 years ago.
"My uncle being cast in the show was neither because of my influence nor my being part of the cast. I was cast in December. He is a recent addition to the show. This decision is purely the prerogative of the executive and supervising producers of the show."
Bela also addressed questions regarding her relationship with the senator, acknowledging that while Robin had been supportive of her and her family growing up, their personal interactions have become infrequent over the years as their careers and beliefs differed.
“Our ideologies also differed,” she wrote, adding that she has not seen his uncle in three years until they shared the same call time on set last Friday.
The statement comes as discussions online intensified over the senator’s involvement in the project while political tensions continue to surround the Senate.
Though Bela did not elaborate on the broader controversy, she firmly separated her own views from her uncle’s political affiliations.
“My uncle’s political affiliation has nothing to do with my personal beliefs and convictions,” he said. “We are related but we manage to agree to disagree.”
Despite their differing perspectives, Bela maintained that she remains grateful for her uncle’s kindness while standing by her own convictions and independence in both career and personal beliefs.
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