By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has assumed the role of president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), according to the party on Wednesday (24 July 2024).
“As the new PDP president, Sen. Padilla will continue to consolidate the party membership and prepare for the 2025 mid-term elections, a process started by Rep. Alvarez,” the PDP said.
“We are confident that under Sen. Padilla’s leadership, the party is in good hands and will continue to be a major force for reform and development in the country,” it added.
Padilla was previously PDP’s executive vice president and acting president.
The senator replaces Palawan Second District Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez.
The party expressed gratitude to Alvarez for leading PDP over the past 20 months, stating, “He strengthened our party and focused on driving reforms to ensure that every Filipino has an equal opportunity to reach their greatest potential.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla is advocating for an amendment to the Vape Law to impose stricter regulations on vape products, citing health risks associated with a new type of vaping using hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) vapes.
The senator filed Senate Bill No. 2729, citing reports that HHC, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid created by hydrogenating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may cause anxiety and paranoia.
Padilla emphasized that Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vape Law, should include specific penalties for those who attempt to import, manufacture, sell, package, distribute, or use HHC vapes.
In his bill, Padilla aims to expand RA 11900 to ensure that “no vapor product shall contain HHC regardless of its quantity.”
The bill also stipulates that for vapor products containing HHC, the manufacturer, importer, distributor, retailer, and consumer will face penalties under RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla is calling for an investigation into the increased construction costs of the New Senate Building in Taguig City, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the public’s trust in the Senate.
On Thursday (04 July 2024), Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1063, directing his Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to “investigate in aid of legislation.”
“Informing the public about the processes undertaken in the construction of the NSB, including the increased costs, is necessary to ensure that the public does not lose its trust in the Senate as an institution,” he stated.
“There is a need to let the public know about the partner contractors if any, and subcontractors of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp.,” he added.
Padilla noted that Senate President Chiz Escudero had tasked Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Committee on Accounts, with reviewing the costs of the NSB, which have reportedly increased to P23 billion from an initial P8.9 billion.
It is worth recalling that Sen. Nancy Binay and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano had a heated exchange during a hearing on the NSB, in which Padilla was also present.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla said Thursday (04 July 2024) that he does not condone the nasty incident that occurred between Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Nancy Binay during a hearing on the budget of the new Senate building in Taguig City and that, the focus should always be on the issues, not personal.
It can be recalled that during the hearing on the New Senate Building (NSB), a heated argument ensued between the two lawmakers where Cayetano referred to Binay as a “Marites” and “buang.”
In local parlance “Marites” is often referred to as rumor monger while “buang” simply means crazy, mad, or insane.
For Padilla, he does not see anything “unparliamentary” specifically in what Cayetano said and the two only ended up getting personal.
“Stick lang tayo doon sa isyu kasi nanood din ako kahapon napunta na sa Taguig [at] Makati. Iwasan natin, dun lang tayo sa isyu,” Padilla said.
Moreover, he said that he is still ‘happy’ with that kind of discussion because it shows that there is a “check and balance” in the upper house.
“Masaya ako kahapon, kaya lang syempre nung napupunta na sa medyo personalan, dun na ako humihingi ng suspension. Pero ‘yung unang ano maganda ‘yun, check and balance,” he said.
Padilla believes that the conversation between Cayetano and Binay will not affect the image of the Senate and if it is possible, he said that this is how the plenary debate will be, at times.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla stated on Thursday (27 June 2024) that the potential candidacy of three Dutertes for the Senate is “very good news” as it would mean three more allies for him in the upper chamber.
“Napakagandang balita iyon. Para sa akin, magkakaroon ako ng kakampi sa Senado bukod kina Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Bato at Sen. Tolentino,” Padilla said.
Vice President Sara Duterte recently disclosed that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte will seek Senate seats in the 2025 midterm elections.
Padilla also praised the work track record of the former President and his sons, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.
“Pag pag-uusapan natin ang record sa trabaho, wala tayong masasabi kina Pres. Duterte, Pulong, at Baste; nagtatrabaho naman ang mga iyon,” the senator remarked.
Meanwhile, Senators Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino will end their terms next year but are eligible to seek another Senate term in 2025.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City, which was conducted while serving an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“The charges against Quiboloy are not ‘simple.’ They involve serious and morally abhorrent offenses such as the sexual assault of a minor and human trafficking,” said Department of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla in a recent interview.
It is worth noting that Quiboloy has consistently maintained that charges should be filed in court; however, he has refused to submit to the court’s jurisdiction and remains a fugitive from justice. He has also disregarded Senate hearings.
Padilla is seeking to determine whether there was a violation of human rights during the operation.
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the senator filed Senate Resolution No. 1051, directing the relevant committee to investigate “in aid of legislation” whether there was “unnecessary and excessive force” used during the operation.
“There is a need for the PNP to promote and protect human rights because these acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, the guarantee of public safety, and the respect for the rule of law,” Padilla stated in his resolution.
“Records indicate several instances in the past where the PNP was criticized for its use of excessive force in serving warrants,” Padilla added.
He also noted that the PNP has adopted a Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) policy, whose guidebook emphasizes that “the first level of its human rights obligations is to respect human rights by refraining from interfering with the enjoyment of people’s rights.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla stated on Sunday, June 9, 2024, that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte did not violate any laws in transferring billions of pesos in Covid funds to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
Padilla emphasized that standard procurement procedures did not apply to the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) under Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law (Republic Act 11469) and the Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution dated April 6, 2020.
He also highlighted that Duterte was granted emergency powers to manage the crisis at the time.
“Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte did not violate any law, as per Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law 1 (RA 11469), which exempts the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the usual procurement law and related regulations, by the Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution dated April 6, 2020,” Padilla said.
Last week, former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III testified during a congressional inquiry that he transferred approximately P47.6 billion to the PS-DBM to purchase COVID supplies, following Duterte’s directives.
“Like other countries, all governments invested significant funds, with most, like us, borrowing to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” Padilla stated.
“Do we need to hurl accusations when our nation is on the brink of an uncertain future?” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution seeking to scrutinize the government’s food security plans amid the soaring costs of rice in the market.
“The escalating costs of essential commodities like rice not only exacerbate the plight of our impoverished countrymen but also push those reliant on fixed incomes or earning low wages closer, or even below, the poverty line,” the resolution reads.
Padilla emphasized that the populace “has the right to be apprised of the government’s strategies to ensure food security, as this encompasses the promotion of public health, poverty reduction, and the fostering of economic development and social stability.”
While the Marcos administration briefly imposed a price ceiling for rice in late 2023, rice prices have surged in recent months.
“The public deserves to be informed about the government’s plans and actions regarding matters that significantly impact our people’s well-being and quality of life,” Padilla stated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla assured the public that past abuses in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program would not happen again.
“I believe in it 99% because we always give 1% to what is written in fate, but I am 99% confident that our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are very professional and can handle the implementation of mandatory ROTC training correctly if it passes. And this is what we need to do now,” Padilla said in a radio interview.
“We already have many laws regarding anti-hazing… We ensure that there are appropriate punishments. And even in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) now, the PMA strictly enforces non-abusive physical training. The same goes for the training of our enlisted personnel; it is strictly prohibited, especially for the youth entering ROTC,” he added.
Padilla also reiterated that ROTC is not just about handling firearms but also about self-defense and assisting in times of calamities.
The senator also emphasized that it is unfair to associate hazing and other abuses with ROTC, BCMC, or military training, as hazing has also occurred in other organizations such as fraternities.
Padilla, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army, stressed that ROTC is where youth learn not only to be warriors but also to maximize their skills, such as computer expertise, to contribute to the nation.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla said on Thursday (April 25, 2024) that he is confident soldiers will not be swayed by the deepfake audio purportedly portraying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to attack China.
“I am 100% certain that soldiers will not believe in that hoax video. Declaring war doesn’t happen in that manner,” Padilla remarked during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) previously stated that the audio deepfake aimed to depict the President directing the AFP to take action against a specific foreign country and clarified that no such directive had been issued.
The senator emphasized that those responsible for such acts should be apprehended.
“And that’s not how it works. We have a Constitution to follow in declaring war. It goes through us in Congress. The president’s temper cannot dictate… in my opinion, they should be apprehended swiftly. Show the capability of law enforcement. Even if this is unbelievable, it should not take long; within 24 hours, they should be caught,” Padilla remarked.
Meanwhile, Padilla dismissed the notion of a high-level conspiracy.
“This is the work of idle minds. But of course, they need to be apprehended, imprisoned, and face the consequences,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution to conduct Senate hearings to improve the government’s information drive on its preparations and responses to the crisis caused by El Nino.
“Conducting an information and awareness campaign is necessary to ensure that the public is well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to undertake precautionary measures on the impact of this weather condition,” he said in Senate Resolution No. 987.
“Filipinos must be informed of up-to-date and necessary preparations and responses of the national and local government, as the country has been taking the brunt of dangerous levels of heat index, mainly attributed to the El Nino phenomenon,” Padilla added.
The senator stressed that El Nino has not only had detrimental effects on agriculture but also threatened other key sectors like the environment, energy, education, health, and public safety.
“It cannot be denied that implementing a comprehensive public information drive is necessary to apprise the affected population of the government’s projects, programs, and activities to help them cope with the adverse effects of this crisis,” Padilla said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Robin Padilla has emphasized the necessity of equipping citizens with military training to effectively respond to calamities.
The senator reiterated this stance following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan.
“It’s crucial for us to be trained and knowledgeable about what to do in emergencies. This isn’t just about warfare… What we’re doing is for the peace and safety of our fellow citizens,” Padilla stated.
Hans Leo Cacdac, officer-in-charge of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), reported that three Filipinos in Taiwan sustained minor injuries due to the earthquake.
“All of them are okay. Their injuries are minor. Two of them have been discharged from the hospital,” Cacdac confirmed.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured that the Philippine government would provide support to affected Filipinos in Taiwan.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla stated on Wednesday (20 March 2024) that his office has been strictly following the rules and procedures of the Senate to ensure the protection of the rights of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
This statement comes in the wake of an arrest order being signed against Quiboloy by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“My office has diligently complied with all the rules and procedures of the Senate to safeguard the rights of Pastor Quiboloy. The committee chairman has made a decision, and Zubiri has taken action by issuing the warrant of arrest,” Padilla said.
“In my view, the legal recourse for Pastor Quiboloy is to bring this matter to the Supreme Court,” he added.
Zubiri signed the arrest order against Quiboloy on Tuesday (19 March 2024) after the pastor repeatedly failed to appear during the Senate’s inquiry into alleged cases of child abuse and human trafficking.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution to conduct an investigation into the indefinite suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) since December 2023.
In Senate Resolution 960, Padilla sought to have the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he chairs, to handle the investigation “in aid of legislation.”
“The imposition of baseless suspension orders on SMNI not only constitutes a denial of due process but also an erosion of press freedom,” he said in his resolution.
Padilla maintained the National Telecommunications Commission, in its show-cause and suspension orders on SMNI, failed to indicate the need to suspend the operations of SMNI.
He added that the right of the people to public information should not be unduly curtailed as access to information on matters of public concern will help people by giving them a better perspective of vital issues confronting the society.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla announced that a total of five senators have signed a manifestation objecting to the Senate’s arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The senators who signed are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, JV Ejercito, and Padilla himself.
Padilla also disclosed that he had conversations with Sens. Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo, who provided explanations for their decision not to support his attempt to halt Quiboloy’s detention.
Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, and Mark Villar are among the other committee members who have not yet taken a position on the matter.
Earlier, Sen. Risa Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt for failing to attend any of the Senate hearings on the alleged child abuse and human trafficking involving the pastor.
Villar expressed her familiarity with Quiboloy, describing him as a good person.
“Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya…Matagal ko na siyang kilala. Parang ‘di naman siya ‘yung gagawa ng ganon. Kami ni Imee pareho naming siyang kilala. Pati ‘yung mga Mindanaoan. Maayos naman siya… nakakahiya naman na ako pahuhuli ko siya. Diyos ko. You don’t do that to a friend,” Villar said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution honoring veteran actress Jaclyn Jose, who passed away on March 2, describing her as an “icon of professionalism, grace and talent in the entertainment industry.”
Padilla filed Senate Resolution 943 where he sought to have the Senate express “profound sympathy and sincere condolences.”
“Since she started her career in the 1980s, Ms. Jose has received various recognition for her work locally, including five Gawad Urians, two Luna Awards, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Award, and a Movie Icon Award from the Eddys,” he said.
He added Jose became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian in 2016 to win the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress in her exemplary performance in “Ma’Rosa.”
She was also honored by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts at the Ani ng Dangal Ceremony in 2017 for this achievement.
Andi Eigenmann, Jose’s daughter, revealed that the latter died due to a heart attack.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the untimely passing of my nanay, better known as Jaclyn Jose at the age of 60 on the morning of March 2, 2024, due to a myocardial infarction or heart attack,” Eigenmann said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla expressed his regret following the recent incident involving his wife, Mariel Padilla, receiving an IV drip in his Senate office, pledging that such an occurrence will be prevented from happening in the future.
“I never intended to disregard the existing security protocols of the Senate, especially by showing disrespect to our institution,” Padilla stated in letters addressed to Dr. Renato DG Sison, Director of the Senate’s Medical and Dental Bureau, and (Ret) Lt. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
“I want to emphasize that my wife had no intention of disregarding the prevailing regulations of the Medical Bureau,” he added.
“You can rest assured that such incidents will not be repeated.”
On Sunday (25 Feb 2024), the entertainment personality publicly apologized both to the Senate and to the general public regarding the IV drip issue.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the brouhaha brought about by the issue of Senator Robinhood Padilla’s wife Mariel Rodriguez allegedly taking a glutathione drip inside the lawmaker’s office which she denied later, the Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public anew against the use of glutathione for skin lightening.
In a statement, the DOH said on Saturday (24 February 2024) there were no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening.
“The DOH does not support the use of glutathione for skin whitening,” the DOH said.
To recall, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier warned about the hazards of using glutathione, such as damage to the kidneys, which could be fatal.
Rodriguez has denied that she took a gluta drip, saying it was only Vitamin C.
“My intent was just to inspire others that even amidst various activities or wherever they are, they can still prioritize their health by taking vitamins. It was never my intention to malign nor undermine the integrity and dignity of the Senate. I want to extend my sincerest apologies to all concerned, including the members and staff of the Senate and the public,” she said on Sunday.
But for health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, regardless if Rodriguez took a glutathione drip or a Vitamin C drip, it was still irresponsible for her to advertise such a procedure without disclosing the proper dosage for it.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has introduced a bill aimed at bolstering the Philippine government’s support for refugees and stateless individuals, particularly those affected by armed conflict, violence, persecution, and insecurity.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board as the primary authority responsible for determining status and eligibility for protection as refugees and stateless persons.
“This bill seeks to institutionalize the policy for determining eligibility for refugee or stateless status by creating a Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board, which will operate as an attached agency of the Department of Justice,” Senator Padilla stated, referencing Senate Bill No. 2548.
He further emphasized, “This initiative aligns with our commitment to international treaties such as the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1954 UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, among others.”
Additionally, the bill prohibits the State from deporting or expelling a refugee, except on grounds of national security or public order, to a country where they would face persecution.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has expressed his appreciation for the new resolution filed in the Senate, which aims to review certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
“Napakagandang balita po ito para sa Bayan. Magkakaroon na po ng bagong sigla ang ating ekonomiya tungo sa pag-unlad ng buhay ng mga Pilipino,” Padilla said.
As the chair of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, Padilla emphasized that he has long advocated for reforms to the Constitution’s economic provisions to attract foreign investments to the country.
Padilla further highlighted that the Senate’s renewed effort to revisit the Charter affirms the direction set by his committee when it filed a committee report proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
Earlier, Padilla filed a Resolution of Both Houses No. 5, seeking to amend Sections 4 and 7 of Article VI (Legislative Department); Section 4 of Article VII (Executive Department); and Section 8 of Article X (Local Government) of the Constitution.
(el Amigo/MNM)