Photo credit: Robin Padilla

Rappler has issued an apology to Senator Robin Padilla and to the Muslim community after posting a video with a caption suggesting he made a vulgar hand gesture during the national anthem. The newsroom admitted that miscommunication led to the premature posting of unverified content, which was quickly taken down.

In its statement, Rappler stressed that there was no intention to offend Senator Padilla, the Muslim community, or any faith group. The organization also vowed to strengthen internal processes to prevent similar lapses.

Following the incident, Padilla’s wife, television host Mariel Padilla, publicly defended her husband’s actions. She explained that the senator, a devout Muslim and proud Filipino, recites the Kalima—the Muslim declaration of faith—while standing in honor of the flag during the anthem.

“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 said.

Citing Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, Mariel pointed out that the law only requires citizens to place their right palms over their chests at the first note of the anthem. Nowhere, she stressed, does it specify that the palm must be flat. She added that such a detail is a matter of practice in schools and ceremonies, not a legal requirement.

“To claim he disrespects the flag is unfair,” Mariel said, noting that her husband is deeply patriotic and even travels with a Philippine flag, which he hangs in every hotel room. “His faith and patriotism are not in conflict. Serving Allah strengthens his love and service to the Philippines.”