Bela Padilla shuts down nepotism claims, says her views differ from uncle Robin’s

Setting the record straight on the casting for their show, “Blood vs Duty,” where Bela plays Agent Lara Angeles, she firmly denied having any influence. 

“I was cast in this project in December. My uncle was added on recently. I have no power whatsoever in casting decisions,” the actress explained, urging critics to, “Get your facts straight. We work and are managed separately.”

The action series marks the actor-turned-senator’s return to acting since 2018. Playing the role of Ahmad Mustapha, Robin—who converted to Islam in the ’90s—said he took on the character to help bring a more balanced portrayal of Filipino Muslims to the entertainment industry.

Addressing the political elephant in the room, Bela released a full statement clarifying her personal relationship with the senator.

“Growing up, my tito Robin was kind to me and my family,” she shared. “But as our careers flourished and took different directions, with him entering politics, our personal encounters have become scarcer. Our ideologies also differed.”

Revealing that they do not live close to one another, Bela noted that prior to sharing a set call time last Friday, she had not seen him in three years.

Shutting down further assumptions, she made it clear exactly where she stands: “My uncle’s political affiliation has nothing to do with my personal beliefs and convictions. We are related but we manage to agree to disagree.”

The actress firmly concluded that while she remains grateful for his past kindness, she also maintains “an independent and personal sense of being in charge of my career, choices and convictions.”