Padilla resigns as EVP of PDP-Laban to focus on duties as senator

By: Beatrice Pinlac - 1 year ago

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla on Tuesday said he has tendered his “irrevocable resignation” as Executive Vice President of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to focus on his duties as a lawmaker.

But, Padilla said, he will remain a member of the political party chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Bilang nanunungkulang Senador na mayroong mabigat na mandato sa taumbayan, mulat po ako na kailangang magbigay daan ang ibang pananagutan, kabilang na ang aking posisyon bilang EVP, para sa mas epektibong pagganap sa aking mga sinumpaang tungkulin sa bayan,” he said in a statement.

(As an incumbent senator with a heavy mandate, I am aware that my other responsibilities, including my position as EVP of the party, must be given up in order to fulfill my sworn duty to the people.)

Padilla said he turned in his resignation on Monday. He said the PDP-Laban needs an EVP who can allot more time to forward the party’s objectives.

“Nagtitiwala ako na ang aking desisyon ay para sa mas kapakinabangan at kabutihan ng PDP-Laban at sa lahat ng miyembro nito tungo sa kolektibong hangarin ng Partido, at higit sa lahat, sa mga mamamayang Pilipino,” he said.

(I trust that my decision will benefit the PDP-Laban and its members as it aims to achieve its collective goals. And above everything else, it will be good for the Filipino people.)

The Duterte-allied actor-turned-senator joined the PDP-Laban in late 2021. He later ran for a seat in the Senate during the 2022 elections to kick off his political career.

Padilla topped the senatorial race, fueled by more than 26 million votes.

READ: Robin Padilla says, ‘I feel wonderful tonight,’ after being proclaimed senator

Among his most controversial agendas since securing a spot in the 19th Congress had been his bid to push for economic constitutional reform – a crusade that the PDP-Laban backed him on.