Senate Robinhood "Robin" Padilla on Friday, August 19, called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to protect learners, especially those from indigenous people (IP), from the deception of certain groups.

Padilla, who attended the hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education chaired by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, said the DepEd must ensure it reaches indigenous learners before some groups get a chance to poison their minds.

"Pinag-uusapan natin dito ay unahan natin itong mga ito doon sa ating IPs at di sila makaporma doon. Kailangan po ito. Alam niyo ang ibig kong sabihin kung sinong nakikipagunahan sa atin doon (We must reach our indigenous learners first. This is a necessary move. You know what group I am referring to)," he said.

Padilla, a movie actor and director, served briefly with the Philippine Army (PA).

He, likewise, stressed the need to teach Philippine history especially to indigenous learners, so they would not forget their roots.

Also, Padilla said he is prepared to increase the DepEd budget for this purpose if needed, in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs.

"Pakibigay agad at kung anong gusto nyo sa legislation na may kinalaman sa indigenous people (Give me your legislative agenda with regard to indigenous people)," he said.

Meanwhile, Padilla voiced concern that some groups might be teaching learners to turn against the government.

"Pagyamanin natin ang talent. Di ang rebelyon o pakikipaglaban sa gobyerno (We should enrich talent, not use them to fight the government)," he stressed.