Senator Robin Padilla is in the midst of a career resurgence, marked by a major Viva comeback and a new Bad Boy movie franchise. But during his contract signing in Pasig City, he generated fresh headlines for two reasons: his remarks on the ongoing Kylie Padilla–Aljur Abrenica–AJ Raval situation, and his bold declaration that the next heir to the “Bad Boy” title should be none other than Daniel Padilla.

Robin on passing the torch

In a moment of candor and certainty, Robin Padilla named the actor he believes should carry on the iconic “Bad Boy” mantle.

“Kay Daniel ko siyempre gusto pamana (Of course I want to pass it on to Daniel),” he said without hesitation, explaining that he had long seen Daniel’s potential even during the height of the young star’s love-team era. “Noong panahon, sinasabi ko, in love pa siya eh. Pag-ibig ang priority. Nang gumawa siya ng Incognito, may chance na ngayon (At the time I was saying that, he was still in love. Love was the priority. When he made Incognito, there’s a chance now).”

For Robin, Daniel possesses an essential quality that cannot be manufactured: authentic grit.

“Natural angas sa kanya. Dapat natural eh. Kapag inutos lang ng direktor, medyo may kalungkutan ’yun (It’s natural for him to be arrogant. It should be natural. When the director just orders it, that’s a bit sad),” he explained.

Robin then traced the lineage of the “Bad Boy” title — how it began with Jose Padilla Jr., passed to Joseph Estrada, then Ace Vergel, and eventually to him. He recalled the moment the crown was symbolically handed over.

“Hindi ko makakalimutan ’yun. Hindi ako talaga ang bad boy. Parang nagkaproblema sila ni Boss Vic, ako ang nilagay na kapalit. Paparating pa lang ako sa Viva, pag bukas ng gate — andoon si Alas, nakatayo, inaabangan ako. Pag lapit ko, hinarangan ako talaga. Sabi, ‘Ikaw ba si Robin Padilla? Pinsan mo ba si The Boy?’ Buti na lang pinsan ko. ‘Sige, ikaw na ang bad boy (I’ll never forget that. I wasn’t really the bad boy. It seems like he and Boss Vic had a problem; I was the one who was put in as a replacement. I was just arriving at Viva when the gate opened — Alas was standing, waiting for me. When I got close, he actually blocked me. He said, ‘Are you Robin Padilla? Are you The Boy’s cousin?’ Luckily, I am. ‘Okay, you’re the bad boy’),” he said, laughing at the memory.

Now, he hopes the tradition continues.

“Gusto ko, pag dumating yung panahon na may bagong Bad Boy, may eksena na ipapasa ko. Gano’n ’yun, ’di ba? (I want, when the time comes for a new Bad Boy, to have a scene that I can pass on. That’s it, right?).”

On Kylie, Aljur and AJ

When asked about reports that Aljur Abrenica and AJ Raval now share three children — a development connected to his daughter Kylie Padilla’s estranged marriage — Robin responded with measured calm.

“Wala ako’ng alam sa ganyan. Pero hindi na ako nabibigla sa ganyan. Hindi na ’yan kabigla-bigla sa panahon ngayon (I don’t know anything about that. But I’m not surprised by that anymore. It’s not so surprising these days),” he said.

He stressed that it is not his place to react emotionally, emphasizing that the situation remains peaceful.

“Ano, magre-react ba dapat ako? Dapat si Kylie. Wala naman akong sinasabi. Maayos sila, hindi sila nag-aaway. Alam ko, lumalabas sila bilang pamilya (What, should I react? Kylie should. I’m not saying anything. They’re fine, they’re not fighting. I know, they come out as a family).”

Despite the sensitive nature of the issue, Robin expressed goodwill toward Abrenica.

“Good luck. Magsipag ka lalo dahil marami ka nang anak. Iba na… Wala naman ako masasabi kundi good luck sa lahat (Good luck. Work harder because you have many children. It’s different... I have nothing to say but good luck to everyone).”

He also explained that Kylie, now a mature and independent mother, doesn’t need him to hover.

“Matanda na kasi si Kylie, lumaking independent. Mabuting ina, masipag. Hindi ko na siya inaalala sa mga ganyang usapin. Mahal na mahal kita, anak (Kylie is an adult, she grew up independent. She’s a good mother, hardworking. I don’t worry about such matters anymore. I love you very much).”

Honesty, humor and legacy

Robin Padilla’s latest public appearance reveals two sides of the legend: the protective father who values peace over drama, and the veteran action star determined to preserve a cinematic legacy that spans generations.

And in naming Daniel Padilla as his chosen successor, he signals something else—

that the future of the “Bad Boy” spirit may lie not in rebellion, but in evolution.