MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla on Saturday asserted his commitment to constitutional duty ahead of Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential impeachment trial, clarifying that his personal connection to her family will not sway his judgment as a senator-judge.
Addressing concerns over his objectivity despite previously voicing opposition to efforts targeting the Vice President, Padilla underscored that his allegiance lies strictly with the rule of law.
“Hindi ako biased. Ako ay maka-Constitution dahil diyan ako nanumpa [as a senator-judge]. Kung ano ang sinasabi ng batas, yun ang susundin ko,” Padilla said.
The lawmaker emphasized that his verdict—whether to convict or acquit—will be dictated strictly by the evidence introduced during the trial proceedings.
Padilla also dismissed claims of a political alliance with the Vice President, clarifying that his relationship with her is solely personal and tied to his friendship with former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Hindi naman kami masasabing politically aligned ni VP. Kami ay personal na magkaibigan lang dahil sa tatay niya. Pero hindi kami kailanman nag-usap ng politika,” he explained, adding that they belong to separate political affiliations.