Robin Padilla reacts to China Daily AI video of monkey wearing barong
- Senator Robin Padilla expressed support for the Department of Foreign Affairs after it condemned an AI-generated video published by China Daily
- The controversial video featured a monkey wearing a barong and salakot, with the Philippine flag also appearing in the imagery
- Padilla said freedom of expression should never be used to justify content that demeans the dignity of a nation or its people
- The senator also reaffirmed his belief that the Philippines must defend its sovereignty while continuing to pursue diplomacy and peaceful dialogue
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Senator Robin Padilla has released a statement backing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) after it strongly condemned what it described as a “racist and demeaning” AI-generated video published by China Daily.
Source: Facebook
The controversial video drew criticism after it featured a monkey dressed in traditional Filipino attire, including a barong and a salakot. An image of the Philippine flag also appeared in the material, prompting widespread condemnation from Philippine officials.
In his statement issued on Friday, Padilla expressed full support for the DFA’s position against the publication.
“Ang Tanggapan ni Senator Robinhood ‘Robin’ Padilla ay sumusuporta sa pahayag ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas na mariing kumokondena sa mapanlait, mapanghamak, at may bahid ng rasismong gawang-AI na nilalaman at editoryal na materyales na inilathala ng China Daily kaugnay ng 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.”
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The senator stressed that freedom of expression and political discourse should never become an excuse for insulting the dignity of an entire nation or race.
“Ang kalayaan sa pagpapahayag at pampulitikang diskurso ay hindi kailanman maaaring maging dahilan upang yurakan ang dignidad ng isang lahi o bansa. Ang paglalarawan sa mga Pilipino sa isang mapanlait at nakabababang paraan ay hindi katanggap-tanggap at nararapat lamang na kondenahin.”
Padilla also reiterated a position he has long maintained regarding the country’s foreign relations, saying that while maintaining cordial ties with other nations remains important, the Philippines must never compromise its honor, sovereignty, and national dignity.
“Matagal nang paninindigan ni Senator Padilla na bagama’t mahalaga ang pagpapanatili ng maayos na ugnayan, dayalogo, at kooperasyon sa lahat ng bansa—kabilang ang Tsina—hindi kailanman dapat isakripisyo ang dangal, soberanya, at karangalan ng sambayanang Pilipino.”
The senator further emphasized that disagreements between countries should be resolved through diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law rather than through propaganda that demeans an entire people.
“Ang anumang hindi pagkakasundo sa pagitan ng mga bansa ay dapat lutasin sa pamamagitan ng diplomasya, paggalang sa pandaigdigang batas, at mahinahong pag-uusap—hindi sa pamamagitan ng propaganda na naglalayong hamakin ang isang buong mamamayan at sirain ang tiwala sa isa’t isa.”
Padilla likewise reaffirmed his office’s support for protecting the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea while continuing to advocate peace and regional stability.
Finally, the senator joined the DFA in calling for the immediate removal of the controversial content while encouraging responsible public discourse rooted in truth and mutual respect.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion among Filipinos, with many supporting the government’s condemnation of the AI-generated material and emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue between nations despite ongoing territorial disputes.
The 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award remains a significant issue in Philippine foreign policy and regional diplomacy. Philippine officials have consistently maintained that while diplomatic engagement with other countries is essential, the country’s lawful rights and national interests must continue to be upheld.
Robin Padilla, popularly known as the “Bad Boy” and “Prince of Action” of Philippine cinema, became one of the country’s biggest action stars through iconic anti-hero and gangster roles in films such as Bad Boy and Anak ni Baby Ama. After decades in the entertainment industry as an actor and filmmaker, he entered politics and made history during the 2022 national elections by receiving the highest number of votes among all candidates for the Philippine Senate, earning a seat as a senator.
Earlier, Robin Padilla made an emotional appeal to fellow Filipinos during the Iglesia Ni Cristo peace rally held at Liwasang Bonifacio on July 2. During his speech, the senator urged the public not to remain indifferent to issues that he believes are affecting the nation and encouraged citizens to remain actively engaged in protecting the country’s future.
As previously reported by KAMI, Senator Robinhood Padilla became a trending topic online after strongly criticizing the alleged personal ambitions of the primary suspect in the tragic school shooting incident in Tacloban City. His remarks generated widespread discussion on social media as the country continued to mourn the victims and examine the circumstances surrounding the heartbreaking tragedy.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
