Senator Robin Padilla on Thursday night denied accusations that he made an obscene gesture while singing the Philippine National Anthem during the Senate’s plenary session on September 8, 2025.

In a Facebook Live broadcast at 9:30 p.m., Padilla reacted to an article published by Rappler claiming that he raised his middle finger, commonly referred to as a “dirty finger”, while placing his hand on his chest.

“Isa pong napakalaking para po sa akin ay pagsubok po ito sa aking pananampalataya,” Padilla said, calling the allegations a serious affront to his faith.

He stressed that the gesture shown in circulating images was a misinterpretation, insisting he only placed his right hand on his left chest as a sign of respect during the anthem.

“Ito po ay banal po sa aming mga muslim, banal po ito. Sapagkat ito po ang ibig sabihin po nito ‘La Ilaha illa wa’, ibig sabihin walang ibang diyos na dapat sambahin maliban sa Allah. Ito po ang pundasyon ng aming pananampalataya,” Padilla explained.

“Hindi po namin pwedeng gawin na gawing kabastusan po ito. Magpapakamatay na lang po ako kung gagawin ko ‘yon,” the Senador added.

The senator also expressed disappointment at Rappler, saying he considered the media outlet a longtime ally.

“Sana mga kaibigan ko sa Rappler, huwag naman ganyan. Huwag naman ‘yong pananampalataya ko po ang inyong banatan. Hindi ko naman po kayo pinipigilan kung mayroon akong ginawang pagkakamali, banatan niyo ako kahit magkakaibigan tayo,” he said.

Padilla appealed to the public not to believe the claim and reiterated his respect for the national anthem and for his Islam religion.

“Sa lahat po sa inyong lahat, hinihingi ko po sa inyo na huwag po kayong maniwala na gagawin ko po ito. Magpapakamatay na lang po ako, hindi ko po ‘yan magagawa. Ipagpapasa-diyos ko po ito,” Sen. Padila said, ending his FB live.

Rappler has reportedly taken down their post regarding Padilla’s alleged vulgar display. As of posting, the media outlet has yet to issue a response to Padilla’s statement.