A 2022 video of TV host-actress Mariel Padilla defending her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, has resurfaced on social media amid renewed criticism of the actor-turned-politician.
In the old vlog, Mariel addressed those questioning whether Robin was qualified to become a senator, citing his educational background and previous experiences.
“Si Robin nakatapos ’yan ng college. Meron siyang degree sa criminology,” Mariel said.
She also claimed that her husband had managed to help pass a law even while he was incarcerated at the New Bilibid Prison.
“Next, si Robin, nung nasa Bilibid nakapagpasa na ng batas. Without even being a senator,” she said.
Mariel further pointed to Robin’s involvement with the Philippine Army, arguing that he would not have been entrusted with responsibilities involving communications and strategic planning if he were unqualified.
“So, sa mga nagsasabing hindi siya qualified, I beg to disagree. He is more than qualified,” she stressed.
The four-year-old video has since found its way back to social media, generating another round of reactions and scrutiny from netizens.
Among those who challenged Mariel’s remarks was lawyer Jesus Falcis, who disputed her statement that Robin had passed a law while he was in prison.
“Fact Check: FALSE. Robin Padilla did not pass a law while in prison. Hindi pa siya Senador nuon,” Falcis wrote.
Robin was convicted in the 1990s for illegal possession of firearms and later received an absolute pardon in 2016.
He eventually entered national politics and topped the 2022 senatorial elections, receiving more than 26 million votes.
The resurfacing of Mariel’s remarks comes as Robin once again faces intense public scrutiny over his performance as a senator, including criticism of his statements and actions in the Senate.
