MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla reiterated on Saturday, September 19, that his decision to retire from politics at the conclusion of his term is completely non-negotiable.
During a radio interview, the lawmaker shared that he and his wife have already agreed on their post-politics plans, which involve relocating to an Islamic nation to raise their child.
”Final na po yun. Napagdesisyunan na po namin ‘yan ng asawa ko. Tutuloy na lang po namin yung aming plano sa isang Islamic country para mapalaki namin yung anak namin sa Islamicong paraan,” Padilla stated.
His statement comes a day after he initially announced his exit plans on Friday, September 18. At the time, Padilla offered a shortlist of six potential running mates for Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential race, emphasizing that seeing Duterte lead the nation remains his primary political wish.
His suggested vice-presidential contenders include:
- Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano
- Senate Deputy Minority Leader Imee Marcos
- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go
- Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa
- Senator Rodante Marcoleta
- Former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo
When asked if public appeals could persuade him to seek re-election, Padilla firmly rejected the idea, describing himself as fundamentally unsuited for the traditional political landscape.
”Hindi ako bagay sa politika. Hindi ako bagay dito. Iba ang takbo ng politika ng Pilipinas eh. Hindi siya para sa akin. Ako po ay talagang rebolusyonaryo talaga,” he remarked.
Despite his decision, Padilla noted that he harbors no regrets, as he made a genuine effort to drive reform from within the legislative branch. He described his stint in the Senate as “traumatic” for a self-described revolutionary.
A major source of his frustration stems from his inability to advance a shift toward a parliamentary government, despite serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments for two years.
”Isa yun sa ikinalulungkot ko. Yun talaga yung nagpadesisyon sa akin na Hindi ako bagay na dito. Kasi dalawang taon kong hinawakan ang constitutional amendment. Hirap na hirap ako na magsulong ng pagbabago sa Konstitusyon,” Padilla explained.
”Tapos naranasan ko lang na ganoon lang pala kadali pagdating pala sa ibang bagay. Ganun lang pala kadali yun. Pwede palang baguhin ang mga nasa Konstitusyon,” he added.
Looking ahead to his family’s relocation, Padilla revealed that they have already visited Brunei as a potential prospective home, while also considering Malaysia.
He noted that Scandinavian nations are another alternative under consideration, though the steep cost of living there remains a factor.
Padilla, who topped the 2022 senatorial election with over 26 million votes, is set to complete his term in 2028.