Actress Mariel Padilla has confirmed that her husband, Senator Robin Padilla, is not planning to run for another elective post in the 2028 elections—though she acknowledged that politics can always change decisions.
Speaking on Julius Babao Unplugged, hosted by broadcast journalist Julius Babao, Mariel said the senator has decided to step back after his current term.
“Robin does not. Ayaw na niya” (“He doesn’t want to anymore”), she said plainly when asked about his future plans.
According to Mariel, the decision stems from frustration with the slow pace of government. She shared that there have been moments when Robin even considered leaving office altogether. “There are days when he gets frustrated—when the system moves too slowly,” she explained, adding that the weight of expectations can be overwhelming.
Still, she said what ultimately keeps him going are the people who placed their trust in him. Recalling encounters with marginalized communities, Mariel reflected on how those moments give her husband pause. “There are days when I see the indigenous people, when I see the Muslims, how grateful they are—how they feel seen now,” she said. “And I think, what about them? They’re counting on you.”
Mariel also admitted that public criticism takes a toll on her. She said there are times she feels her husband’s efforts are misunderstood, especially when his remarks are taken out of context. “Sometimes I feel—lalo na when they take things out of context—parang they don’t deserve him” (“Sometimes I feel—especially when they take things out of context—it feels like they don’t deserve him”), she said. “May mga ganong araw” (“There are days like that”).
Robin Padilla, who assumed office in June 2022 and is known as a vocal ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has no ambitions for higher office, Mariel stressed. “No vice president, no president,” she said—at least not at this point.
For now, the decision stands. But as Mariel acknowledged, circumstances can always shift. “Politics is unpredictable,” she said. “Depende pa rin sa sitwasyon” (“It still depends on the situation”).