Bela Padilla on uncle Robin Padilla: 'We agree to disagree'

In a somewhat ironic twist, Bela Padilla recently addressed allegations linking her to the casting of her uncle, actor and senator Robin Padilla, in the action-drama series “Blood vs Duty.” 

Bela clarified that she had no power in casting decisions and emphasized that both her professional work and personal relationship with her uncle are separate. She also noted that they have different political views.

The issue began after Bela posted on her X account last Monday, May 11, where she raised concerns about accountability among public officials. She questioned why Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, despite being absent in the Senate for months, would still get his salary.

 In the same post, she cited her own experience of returning to work shortly after an emergency room visit, stressing that public officials— especially senators whose decisions affect millions— are expected to be more accountable.

She also replied to a separate comment criticizing her uncle in strong terms, pushing back against personal attacks and saying that insulting others does not reflect positively on the person making them.

Bela later issued a more detailed statement addressing both the controversy and speculation about their relationship.

“Because of recent events, and since I’m being asked daily, I wish to express my thoughts on the issue,” she began.

Bela said that while she remains grateful for her uncle’s kindness during her younger years, their relationship has changed over time, particularly after Robin entered politics and their careers took different directions. 

She added that they now rarely see each other. Before they met on set a few months ago, the last time they saw each other was three years ago.

She reiterated that Robin’s inclusion in “Blood vs Duty” was solely a production decision made by executive and supervising producers,  emphasizing that her personal beliefs are separate from his political stance, noting that while they remain related, they “agree to disagree.”

The clarification quickly circulated online, with netizens praising her for addressing the issue directly and being candid about how her opinion on politics are different from her family’s, while others suggested that she should avoid engaging further.

The discussion unfolded during a tense period in the Senate involving Dela Rosa, who was back in the public eye after being away and unreachable for months amid reports of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for him.