Senator Robin Padilla, who recently drew criticism for his remarks on mental health, is “often misunderstood,” his chief of staff Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado said Monday.
Padilla last week described today’s youth as “weak,” noting that depression was not a common word during his time.
“Senator Robin Padilla is often misunderstood by many,” Jurado said.
“The Senator’s record shows a consistent willingness to engage in difficult conversations and legislative reforms based on what he believes to be in the national interest, regardless of political consequences.”
Jurado pointed out that Padilla has supported an anti-dynasty law despite belonging to a political family, and has backed discussions on parliamentary government and federalism even when such positions did not align with certain political interests.
He added that Padilla has taken stances on sensitive issues including medical cannabis, divorce, civil unions, lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the Sabah claim, charter change, and banning social media use among minors.
“As someone who has worked closely with him for years, I can say that the Senator does not hesitate to raise and advocate for issues that others may consider taboo, unpopular, or politically risky. He does so even when these positions may run counter to his own political interests, his allies, or prevailing public sentiment,” Jurado said.