The wave of online mockery aimed at Sen. Robin Padilla over his role in the Sara Duterte impeachment trial has drawn a pointed rebuke from a longtime friend in show business.
Speaking with reporters at the “Maddox Iconic Runway: Diamond Jewelry Fashion Show 2026,” veteran actor-comedian Dennis Padilla said he has read through much of the criticism piling up against the senator and finds it unfair. He described the tone of the commentary as excessive and said it left him hurt on behalf of the lawmaker.
Robin is one of the senator-judges hearing the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. His conduct and statements during the proceedings have made him a frequent target on social media, where users have picked apart his remarks and cast doubt on whether he is up to the task.
For Dennis, one insult stings more than the rest. He said he cannot accept it when people brand the senator “bobo,” calling the label degrading and, in his view, untrue of anyone.
“Nasasaktan ako roon sa sinasabi na bobo si Robin. I hate that word. Kumbaga, wala namang bobong tao. Tsaka, very insulting,” he said.
He appealed to those posting the harshest reactions to hold themselves to a higher standard, arguing that Filipinos are educated enough to disagree without stooping to abuse.
“Sa mga basher, huwag naman tayong umabot sa ganu’n kababa. Itaas naman natin ang quality ng pagsasalita natin. May pinag-aralan naman ang mga Pilipino.”
The actor also issued a warning to the critics, suggesting their words would eventually rebound on them.
“Hindi, hindi maganda. Tsaka, I’m sure, ‘yung mga comments ng mga taong ‘yan, tandaan n’yo ‘to, babalik sa inyo ‘yan. God will prove you wrong,” he said.
Whatever the noise around the trial, Dennis maintained that plenty of Filipinos still stand behind his friend. He cited Robin’s early standing in preference surveys for the 2028 national elections as a sign that the actor-turned-senator has held on to a solid base of public backing.
