Contrary to his earlier statement that he might not run in the 2028 elections, Mariel Padilla confirmed that Senator Robin Padilla is not retiring from politics. In a podcast with Senator Imee Marcos on May 16, Mariel emphasized that her husband still has a mission in government and for the advocacies he has started.
Mariel Padilla's Clarification
“Sometimes I think about just finishing [his term as senator]… but there are people, especially Muslims and Indigenous groups, who depend on him,” Mariel said. She added that there are times when she thinks it would be better for Robin to continue his term in the Senate because of the sectors that rely on his service.
Mariel also clarified that her earlier statement about “they don’t deserve him” referred to those who speak negatively against her husband as a legislator. “When something is said out of context… I feel that they don’t deserve him,” she explained.
Background on Senator Robin Padilla's Statements
It can be recalled that Senator Robin earlier said he planned to step away from politics and leave the country due to disappointment with the system. However, he later retracted this and said he might run for a higher position, such as vice president, if former President Rodrigo Duterte asks him to. Padilla is known as one of Duterte's staunchest supporters. Duterte is currently facing a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to crimes against humanity.
