Senator Robin Padilla says he won’t run for public office in 2028

Senator Robin Padilla on Friday announced that he would no longer seek elective office in the 2028 National Elections, reversing his earlier openness to becoming Vice President Sara Duterte’s running mate.

Padilla made the announcement in a Facebook post, where he said he wanted to prioritize his young children and pursue a quieter life.

“Maliliit pa ang aking mga anak, at isang tahimik na buhay-Islami ang aking pinapangarap at minimithi,” Padilla said.

Despite ruling out a 2028 bid for himself, Padilla identified several personalities whom he would prefer to see as Duterte’s running mate.

He named Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and Rodante Marcoleta, as well as former presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo.

Padilla also thanked his friends and supporters for their continued backing, while expressing doubt about his place in politics.

“halata naman po na hindi ako nababagay sa mundong ito,” he said.

His announcement came days after the Department of Justice subpoenaed him in connection with an obstruction of justice complaint filed over Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate amid an International Criminal Court warrant.

Padilla has denied helping Dela Rosa evade authorities, maintaining that the senator merely rode in his vehicle.