Robin Padilla says decision not to run is final: ‘Politics not for me’

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla on Saturday, Sept. 19, said that his decision to not run for public office in the 2028 national elections is final, further saying he plans to move to an Islamic country with his family.

“Ay, final na po ‘yon. Oo, napag desisyunan na po namin ‘yan ng asawa ko. Tutuloy na lang po namin ‘yung aming plano na mag— sa isang Islamic country para mapalaki namin ‘yung anak namin sa Islamikong paraan,” he said during an interview at DWIZ program.

Article continues after this advertisement

(“Yes, that’s final. My spouse and I have already decided on it. We’re going to push through with our plan to move to an Islamic country so we can raise our child the Islamic way.”)

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Previously, he said that he is open to become the running mate of Vice President Sara Duterte after the two became the leading candidates in the hypothetical surveys in the 2028 national elections.

The senator, however, withdrew his pronouncement, saying that he is not fit for politics.

Padilla earlier made the public announcement on his Facebook page last Friday that he is no longer vying for a seat in the next elections. 

READ: Padilla won’t be running in 2028 polls, says ‘he does not fit in this world’

Article continues after this advertisement

“Hindi ako bagay sa pulitika. Hindi ako bagay dito. Iba ang takbo ng pulitika ng Pilipinas. Hindi siya para sa akin,” he said.

(“I’m not cut out for politics. I don’t belong here. Philippine politics works differently. It’s not for me.”)

Article continues after this advertisement

He added that he will continue being a revolutionary, instead of being a politician. He, moreover, mentioned that he is planning to move to an Islamic country with his family. When asked where he and his family would move abroad, he said that he is considering Brunei, Malaysia, and even Scandinavian countries.

Padilla further said that he tried to help fix the country as incumbent official, however, “ang politika ng Pilipinas, hindi ko siya kaya,”

(“Philippine politics—I can’t handle it.”)

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

In his Facebook post, the senator listed the individuals he wanted as Duterte’s tandem, namely Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Sens. Imee Marcos, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal counsel and spokesperson Salvador Panelo. /mr