Sen. Robin Padilla Says Slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei their “Spiritual Leader” Too
ROBIN PADILLA – The Senator called on the public to exercise restrain in tagging the slain Iranian leader as “terrorist”.
The recent airstrikes of the United States and Israel against Iran alarmed the world. Currently, the impacts of the escalating tension is not only felt by the countries involved but as well as the other nations.
The escalating tension led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reportedly, many Iranians celebrated with blaring loud music and cheers the death of the Iranian leader whom U.S. Pres. Donald Trump called as allegedly “one of the most evil people in history”.
Amid the escalating tension in the Middle East which has gathered different opinions, Sen Robin Padilla admitted that he does not want Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be branded a terrorist. According to him, the said label is offensive to Muslims and disrespectful to a man regarded as a spiritual figure by millions.
According to News5, Padilla said the issue goes beyond politics as it already touches on faith and identity. The Senator explained that calling Khamenei a “terrorist” is not only inaccurate but also deeply insulting to the followers of Islam. He urged Filipinos to be more mindful of how they speak about leaders from other cultures.
“Hindi lamang po siya isang matatawag na lider ng isang bansa — spiritual leader po. Kung mayroon po kayong tinatawag na Pope, mayroon din po kaming tinatawag na spiritual leader,” Padilla said.
Based on the post, Sen. Robin Padilla asked the public to exercise restraint in calling the late former Iranian Supreme Leader na si Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a “terrorist”. He stressed that it is hurtful towards the Muslim people.
“Hinihingi din namin po sa inyo na magdahan-dahan sa pananalita… Napakasakit po sa amin na binabansagan siyang isang terorista,” the Senator expressed based on the post.
The remarks of Sen. Robin Padilla earned varying comments. Several Muslim people praised the lawmaker for defending the dignity of Muslim communities. On the other side, critics believe that political leaders, even if they are spiritual leaders, must be held liable of their actions.
Amid the impacts of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Sen. Robin Padilla asked if the Philippine government was able to prepare for the U.S.-Iran conflict.