Mariel Rodriguez has come to the defense of her husband, Robin Padilla, speaking out against the backlash generated by the action star's inclusion in the entourage that joined President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to Russia last month.

In a now-deleted photo, Padilla was seen with Cesar Montano, Phillip Salvador, Sandra Cam, and Bernard Cloma as they flew to Moscow.

Photo is a screenshot taken by Pep Robin Padilla is seen as part of the delegation in this now-deleted photo posted by Bernard Cloma on Instagram.

Out of the five, who are all known to be staunch supporters of the president, only Montano holds a position in the current administration. He was appointed head of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism.

On her Facebook page on Tuesday, Rodriguez shared a blogpost claiming that the government used taxpayers' money to pay for the tickets of Padilla and the others, writing: "FYI. [my husband] paid for his airfare and hotel."

"He did not accept a position in the government, ticket pa kaya at pa hotel tatanggap siya? Hellooooooo! stupid 'tsuwariwap' blogger. Know your facts!" the television host added.

Malacañang has defended those who joined, with Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella saying: "It was important to have key members of the president's administration to accompany him."