Malacañang and the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) have criticized Robinhood Padilla for comparing the use of aliases by Filipino heroes to the names appearing in receipts tied to the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the two situations are fundamentally different, noting that historical figures used pseudonyms in their struggle for the country, while the names in the OVP receipts were allegedly linked to paid informants.
She added that while the identities of heroes were known, it remains unclear whether the names listed in the receipts refer to real individuals or “ghost” beneficiaries.
Padilla earlier made the remarks during a hearing related to the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, where he cited Benigno Aquino Jr.’s use of the alias “Marcial Bonifacio.”
ATOM, however, said the comparison undermines the legacy of national heroes, stressing that their use of aliases was tied to the fight for freedom and justice—not to the use of public funds.
The group also urged the senator to exercise caution and respect in discussing historical figures.
