Senator Robin Padilla is being considered as a potential presidential candidate in 2028 if Vice President Sara Duterte is disqualified from public office due to an impeachment trial conviction, according to former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo.
In an interview on Politiko Live on December 13, Panelo revealed that the plan to field Padilla already has the support of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Both Padilla and Duterte are members of the PDP-Laban party.
“Kapag pinakulong ‘yan (Vice President Sara Duterte), ang patatakbuhin namin si Robin Padilla. ‘Pag si Robin Padilla, game over,” Panelo said, emphasizing Padilla’s strong chances if the scenario unfolds.
Panelo also mentioned that Padilla was taken aback when informed about the plan during a TikTok livestream, recalling his advice to the senator: “Ihanda mo na sarili mo kasi ikaw ang ilalaban namin.”
Vice President Duterte is currently facing two impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives, fueling discussions about her political future.