Netizens Divided After Robin Padilla Appears at Rene Baterbonia’s Wake
ROBIN PADILLA – What was intended as a tribute to a young athlete has sparked a wave of discussion after Robin Padilla shared photos from Rene Baterbonia’s wake.
Senator Robin Padilla recently shared photos of his visit to the wake of late Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball player Rene Baterbonia, prompting mixed reactions from netizens on social media.
Baterbonia, a 19-year-old athlete, tragically passed away after drowning during a team-building activity and training session at a beach in Aurora. The event reportedly involved fellow student-athlete Divine Adili, a Nigerian basketball player.
In a Facebook post published on June 11, Padilla posted several photos taken during his visit to the wake, which is being held at Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City. One image showed the senator wearing Baterbonia’s basketball uniform as a tribute to the young athlete.
Alongside the photos, Padilla wrote, “The world was his, but gone too soon!”
Another photo also caught the attention of social media users as it featured the well-known fist bump associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte, a gesture often used by supporters known as “Diehard Duterte Supporters” or DDS.
The senator’s post quickly generated reactions from the public. While many praised his gesture of sympathy and support for the grieving family, others criticized what they perceived as an attempt to gain attention from a highly discussed tragedy. Some netizens also questioned his decision to wear the jersey of the deceased athlete.
Several supporters came to Padilla’s defense, saying that Baterbonia’s family had personally reached out to the senator for assistance and that he willingly responded to their request.
Among the comments posted online were:
“Ito ang isa sa pnka mabilis mag bigay ng tulong sa kahit na sino… ang iba nagpapa presscon pa lang at nag memeeting, si Robin Padilla nka punta na…”
“Epal yarn?”
“Wearing that deceased athlete’s jersey like he had an important role on the kid’s journey.”
“Mapa pelikula o sa tunay na buhay talagang dapat bida.”
“Tulongan mo sila senator Padilla makamit nila ang justice.”
“Diversionary tactic!”
“Kayabangan pa rin…dudirty sign pa ang dala dala…”
“I really admire Sen. Robin’s kindness. Natural na sa kanya ang pagiging matulungin. Kahit walang publicity, kahit di nya ipagkalat, alam mong handa siyang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan. People can say whatever they want pero hindi mababago ang respeto at paghanga ko sa taong to. For me isa siyang taong may mabuting puso at tunay na malasakit sa kapwa.”
“Sen Robin Padilla…please help mo ang pamilya, at mga kapatid na makatapos sa pag aaral.”
As of this writing, Senator Padilla has not yet issued any reaction, comment, or statement regarding the differing opinions surrounding his visit.
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