MANILA, Philippines — Actress Claudine Barretto has expressed support for television host Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla after a 2022 video defending her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, resurfaced online and renewed scrutiny of his qualifications for public office.
In the campaign-era clip, Mariel called Robin “more than qualified” and made remarks suggesting he had helped pass a law while incarcerated, though he was not a legislator at the time.
As the video circulated again, Claudine shared material about Mariel’s defense and wrote “True.” She later reposted Mariel’s clarification with an affectionate message referring to her as “Utol Mariel.”
Mariel said her earlier remarks had been taken too literally. She clarified that she did not mean Robin had served in Congress, authored a bill or voted for its passage, but was referring to his experience with firearms law.
Republic Act No. 8294 was approved by Congress in 1997, years before Robin entered the Senate in 2022.
The renewed attention comes as Robin has faced online criticism over his performance as a senator-judge in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings. Actor Dennis Padilla separately defended Robin against personal insults while acknowledging the public’s right to criticize him.
Claudine’s reported comments remained brief, personal and supportive.
