Robin Padilla debunks reports he was flashing middle finger while singing the national anthem
Sen. Robin Padilla denied reports that he was flashing his middle finger while singing the national anthem during the Senate's plenary session.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the actor-turned-politician shared photos of himself from an angle showing that it was his index finger that was extended while his hand was placed against his chest.
"Ito po ang mga larawan na tunay sa araw na 'yan ng ika-8 Setyembre 2025. Ang hintuturo, index finger/fore finger ay ang siyang nagagamit ng mga Muslim para isagawa ang kalimah LA İLAHA ILALAH," he explained in a Facebook post.
In another FB post, Padilla shared more photos of himself praying while he was still pointing his index finger after the national anthem.
"Ito po ang isa pang larawan habang ang isang kasamang senador ay pinangungunahan ang ecumenical prayer. Sa oras po na ito ay si Senator Vicente Sotto ang nagsagawa ng prayer," he said.
"Makikita po ninyo na ang aking hintuturo ay naka kalimah LA İLAHA ILALAH. Ito po ay larawan ng paggalang sa sinoman na nangunguna sa dasal at aking pagsaksi na ako ay isang Muslim na sumasamba sa Allah."
Before posting the photos, Padilla went live on Facebook and called out an online media organization for reporting about his "dirty finger."
"Nagulat po ako," he said. "Sa matagal na panahon, naging kaibigan ko po ang mga ito. 'Di ko malaman kung bakit sila gumawa ng ganitong article."
He said he's fine with reports about his wrongdoing, but not the instance when he didn't really flash his middle finger.
"Kung ako po ay may pagkakamali, dapat lang. Kahit magkakaibigan kayo, banatan ka, gawan ka ng issue. Pero ito pong ganap na ito, hindi po nangyari ito," he said while showing the now-deleted report to the camera.
He then explained that extending his index finger is a holy gesture among Muslims.
“Gusto ko pong iparating sa inyong lahat, ito po ay banal sa aming mga Muslim, banal po ito,” he said. "Ito po ang pundasyon ng aming pananampalataya. Dito nakasalalay ang aming pag-ibig, paggalang, pagsunod sa Panginoong Allah."
Displaying his index finger, Padilla stressed out, “Hindi po namin puwedeng gawing kabastusan po ito. Magpapakamatay na lang po ako kung gagawin ko ‘yun. Hinihingi ko po na huwag sana natin itong gawing kalokohan dahil ito po ang pundasyon ng lahat ng pananampalataya ng Muslim."
"Kaya po kapag kumakanta ng Lupang Hinirang, kaya po ‘yan nakalagay dito," he said while placing his hand against his chest anew, "tunay na mahal namin ang bansang Pilipinas, tunay po 'yan, pero una ang Panginoong Allah.”
In ending his livestream, Padilla noted that he's being told to file cases against the concerned media organization, but said he's leaving things up to Allah.
"Ipagpapasa-Diyos ko ito," he said. "Bahala na sa inyo ang Allah.”
'A proud Muslim and a devout Filipino'
In a Facebook post on Friday, Sept. 12, Padilla's wife Mariel Rodriguez came to his defense, noting that he's "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," Rodriguez said. "This is not an act of disrespect but a personal expression of faith, while at the same time standing in honor of our country."
She also cited Republic Act No. 8491, particularly Section 38, which states that, “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.”
"Nowhere in the law does it require the palm to be 'flat,'" Rodriguez said. "That is only a practice taught in schools and ceremonies, not part of the legal text. No law was broken."
She said that claims of Padilla disrespecting 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," she said. "His faith and patriotism are not in conflict. Serving Allah strengthens his love and service to the Philippines."
Padilla became a trending topic on X and TikTok earlier this week when users shared videos of him appearing to display his middle finger during the opening of the Senate plenary session on Sept. 8.
