Actor Robin Padilla asks lawmakers to consider Bangsamoro history in passing BBL

MANILA (PNA) -- 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