Robin Padilla Confirms He Won’t Join the 2028 Elections
ROBIN PADILLA – The incumbent senator announced that he will not run for office again in 2028.
His statement came after social media influencer Sir Jack Argota shared a suggested lineup of senators to support President Sara Duterte in the 2028 national elections. The lineup included Chiz Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Rowena Guanzon, Greco Belgica, Vic Rodriguez, Jimmy Bondoc, Mike Defensor, Jayvee Hinlo, Raul Lambino, Richard Mata, Robin Padilla, and Israelito Torreon. Padilla thanked the influencer but asked not to be included, clearly stating that he will not run, and sent his best wishes.
Padilla first attempted to enter politics in 1995 when he ran for Vice Governor of Nueva Ecija as an independent candidate while still in prison, though he lost the election. Later, he successfully ran for the Philippine Senate in 2022 under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP–Laban), earning one of the highest vote counts in Philippine history and becoming the first Muslim senator since 1995. His victory highlighted both his popularity and his dedication to public service.
In the Senate, Padilla focused on many issues, including fighting crime, supporting community policing, helping Filipino families and overseas workers, and promoting federalism. He chairs key committees on Constitutional Amendments and Muslim Affairs and has filed bills on medical cannabis, civil unions for same-sex couples, benefits for barangay health workers, and safety measures for entertainment industry workers. He has also worked on indigenous rights, environmental protection, national security, and education reforms.
In 2024, Padilla became president of PDP, strengthening his influence in politics. Even though he will not run in 2028, his work leaves a lasting impact, showing his commitment to helping ordinary Filipinos, protecting cultural and minority rights, and pushing for practical changes in the country.
