TV host and actress Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla revealed that her husband, Senator Robin Padilla, has decided not to seek another elective post in the 2028 elections, as she opened up about his experiences and struggles in public service.
Mariel shared the revelation during her guest appearance on TV5’s Julius Babao Unplugged, where she was asked about her husband’s future political plans. She also stressed that their lifestyle has remained unchanged since Robin entered the Senate.
“Wala kaming bagong kotse simula nu’ng si Robin ay nanalo, wala kaming bagong bahay, wala kaming bagong kung anuman na katas ng pagiging senador ni Robin, so, ‘yun ang aking taas noong masasabi,” she said.
Mariel reiterated her belief that her husband is more of a public servant than a traditional politician.
“I still believe that Robin is not a politician. I feel that the title for Robin is a public servant. Para sa akin ‘yun ah, siyempre sasabihin (ng iba), siyempre asawa ka, di ‘yan ang (sasabihin mo), ‘di sige basta ako ganu’n ang paniniwala ko,” she added.
She admitted feeling that Robin is sometimes unappreciated, which influences her view that it may be better for him to step away from politics after his term.
“Minsan napapaisip ako na tapusin na lang (termino bilang senador) or sometimes kapag may nasabi na out of context na parang I feel na they don’t deserve him, may mga ganu’n ako. And then again there were those days that when I see the indigenous people, when I see the Muslims, how they are so grateful to him, so parang paano sila umaasa [sa kaniya],” Mariel said.
According to her, Robin has even considered resigning at times due to frustration with the political system and never aspired for a higher position.
“Robin has no ambition (mas mataas na posisyon). Robin, from day one, wants to help. Since the day I met him, ‘yun ang consistent kay Robin, sincere and talagang the heart to help; that’s actually why I fell in love with him,” she explained.
Mariel emphasized that her husband has firmly decided not to run in 2028, including for vice president.
“To tell you the truth, ayaw niya ‘yung mga people na ‘yun; nate-turn off siya (sa mga nagsasabing tumakbo siyang vice president),” she said. “Nagdesisyon na siya, hindi na siya tatakbo. Ayaw na niya. He’s always saying that because nababagalan siya sa mga bagay-bagay.”