Senator Robin Padilla has expressed full support for former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Rowena Guanzon in her intention to run for the Senate, despite criticisms she previously faced during the 2022 elections.
In a Facebook post on March 31, Padilla shared his perspective as a Muslim, saying he does not harbor resentment over insults directed at him, including remarks labeling him as “low IQ.”
“Hindi ko po ikinakasakit ng damdamin ang mga ipinupukol sa akin bagkus ako po ay naliligayahan dahil katulad ng sinapit na pag maltrato sa propeta muhamad saw ay tumataas pa ang aking pananampalataya at ipinagdarasal ko na lamang ang nararamdaman na pang aapi,” Padilla wrote.
He emphasized that Guanzon’s leadership is needed by Vice President Sara Duterte and the Filipino people.
Padilla also praised Guanzon’s competence, likening her to other political allies with legal backgrounds such as former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon, and musician-turned-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc.
Several of these figures have been embroiled in controversies, including Gadon’s disbarment by the Supreme Court and Roque’s alleged involvement in shuttered illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) in Pampanga.
Padilla stressed that worldly praise is insignificant compared to divine judgment.
“Never mind the praises of this world. What matters is the judgement of Allah,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his call for support for Guanzon’s possible Senate run in 2028.
Guanzon, for her part, recently reaffirmed her backing for Vice President Duterte’s announced presidential bid in 2028, while also signaling her own intent to seek a Senate seat.