SENATOR Robin Padilla clarified that his recent exchange of greetings and conversation with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III was an act of mutual respect.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Robin said some netizens questioned why he and Torre were seen interacting with each other.
“Pambihira talaga. Bagama’t aso ang tingin niyo sa aming dalawa dahil sa aming loyalty sa aming mga amo, hindi ibig sabihin na aso rin ang ugali namin,” the senator wrote.
Robin stressed that respect can exist even between people on opposing sides, citing historical examples from the Crusades. He referred to Muslim leader Salahuddin Ayyubi and his Christian rivals, King Richard I of England and King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, who, despite being mortal enemies, showed compassion toward one another.
“Ngunit kahit mortal na magkakalaban sa panahon ng Crusade—religious war ng mga Muslim at Kristiyano—nanatili ang paggalang nila sa bawat isa,” Padilla said, noting that Salahuddin even sent physicians to treat the ailing King Baldwin and the wounded King Richard.
He also recalled a line from the ‘Iliad,’ quoting King Priam’s words to Achilles: “Even enemies can show respect.”
Padilla added that it was an honor for him and Torre to attend the induction and turnover ceremonies of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Quezon City, where they were guests alongside Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The event was held on January 21 and was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Quezon City.
