Mariel Padilla disclosed that her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, has already ruled out seeking another elective post in the 2028 elections, a decision she said has been firmly made amid the pressures of public life.
The revelation came during her recent guest appearance on Julius Babao’s “Unplugged,” where she was asked about her husband’s political future and how their family has adjusted since he entered the Senate. Mariel stressed that their personal circumstances have remained unchanged despite Robin’s position. “Wala kaming bagong kotse simula nu’ng si Robin ay nanalo, wala kaming bagong bahay, wala kaming bagong kung anuman na katas ng pagiging senador ni Robin, so, ‘yun ang aking taas noong masasabi.”
She also drew a distinction between how she views her husband and how others may label him, saying she does not see Robin as a traditional politician. “I still believe that Robin is not a politician. I feel that the title for Robin is a public servant. Para sa akin ‘yun ah, siyempre sasabihin (ng iba), siyempre asawa ka, di ‘yan ang (sasabihin mo), ‘di sige basta ako ganu’n ang paniniwala ko,” she said.
Mariel acknowledged that public criticism has at times weighed heavily on her, leading her to feel that her husband’s efforts in public service are not always appreciated. “Minsan napapaisip ako na tapusin na lang (termino bilang senador) or sometimes kapag may nasabi na out of context na parang I feel na they don’t deserve him, may mga ganu’n ako,” she shared, while also noting that expressions of gratitude from indigenous communities and Muslim groups have reminded her why some sectors continue to place their hopes in him.
According to Mariel, Robin has even considered stepping down on several occasions when frustrated by the political system, and she emphasized that he never aspired to higher office. “Robin has no ambition (mas mataas na posisyon). Robin, from day one, wants to help. Since the day I met him, ‘yun ang consistent kay Robin, sincere and talagang the heart to help; that’s actually why I fell in love with him,” she said.
She added that suggestions for him to run for vice president have only reinforced his decision to step away from electoral politics. “To tell you the truth, ayaw niya ‘yung mga people na ‘yun; nate-turn off siya (sa mga nagsasabing tumakbo siyang vice president),” Mariel said. “Nagdesisyon na siya, hindi na siya tatakbo. Ayaw na niya. He’s always saying that because nababagalan siya sa mga bagay-bagay.”
