MANILA, Philippines – Actor Robin Padilla has chimed in on the discussion surrounding the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, saying shortcomings should be temporarily brushed aside and that Filipinos should lift each other up instead of pulling each other down.
Padilla took to Instagram on Tuesday to make the call amid reports of complaints on the SEA Games hosting.
“Katulad ni senator Bong Go, Ito rin ang naging pakiusap ko sa mga lumapit sa akin patungkol sa kanilang mga reklamo na may oras para sa ating sariling hindi pagkakaintindihan lalot dulot ng tradisyonal at baluktot na kultura ng pulitika nating naaagnas na sa baho,” Padilla wrote.
(Just like Senator Bong Go, this is also what I’ve told to those approaching me regarding their complaints. There is time to discuss our misunderstandings especially caused by traditional and twisted culture of politics.)
While he thinks this should be set aside, for now, Padilla stressed this does not mean covering up the issues being raised.
“Hindi ko sinasabing pagtakpan ang mga isyu dahil hindi nararapat sapagkat totoo ang sinasabi ni Heneral Bong Go ang mga ganitong system malfunction ay hindi kinakatakutan kundi pinag aaralan para wag mangyari uli,” Padilla said.
(I’m not saying we should cover the issues up because that’s not right. It’s true what Bong Go said that the system malfunction should not be feared but studied for it not to happen again.)
“Ito ang oras nating mga Pilipino, wag tayo tayo ang maghilaan pababa, itaas natin ang bawat isa!” he added.
(This is the time for Filipinos. Let’s not pull each other down but lift each other up.)
Padilla also thanked workers despite delays in completing the construction of sports facilities.
“Tama din na pasalamatan natin ang mga manggagawang Pilipino na nagovertime sa paggawa at pagrenovate ng ating mga sports facilities hindi man sila nakaabot sa ibang deadline nila hindi naman ibig sabihin na sila’y nagpabaya maaring dulot ng hagupit ng kalikasan,” Padilla said.
(It’s also right for us to thank Filipino workers who work overtime to renovate our sports facilities. They may not have reached the deadline, that does not mean they were negligent. It could have been caused by natural disasters.)
Organizers drew flak from athletes, officials and netizens for unfinished venues and logistical woes days before the official opening of the games.
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