Senator Robin Padilla has confirmed that he has no plans to seek reelection in the 2028 national elections, putting an end to speculation about his possible inclusion in a future Senate slate.
Padilla made the clarification in response to a Facebook post by Jack Argota, a vlogger and known supporter of Vice President Sara Duterte. Argota shared a graphic showing a lineup of personalities he said he would like to support should Duterte run for president in 2028. Padilla’s photo appeared alongside those of Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Alan Peter Cayetano, as well as Jimmy Bondoc and other political figures.
In the comment section of the post, Padilla thanked Argota but politely asked that his name and image be removed, clearly stating his intention not to run again.
“Maraming salamat po. Pero wag niyo na po ako isama sa line up at hindi na po ako matakbo sa 2028. Mabuhay po,” Padilla wrote.
The senator’s comment quickly circulated online and drew mixed reactions from netizens, many of whom urged him to reconsider and run for another term, or even seek higher office.
Padilla’s statement is consistent with remarks he made earlier this year. In an interview aired in April on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s ‘At The Forefront,’ hosted by Atty. Karen Jimeno, Padilla revealed that stepping away from politics in 2028 was part of an agreement with his wife, television host Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, so he could devote more time to their family.
During the interview, Padilla admitted that his Senate work consumes the bulk of his time.
He said that around 95 percent of his time is taken up by legislative duties, a situation his family has expressed concerns about. Despite this, Padilla emphasized that he remains fully committed to his responsibilities as a senator and as president of the PDP party until the end of his term.
A former action film star, Padilla topped the 2022 senatorial elections with more than 26 million votes, securing a six-year term that will conclude in 2028.
