Sen. Robin Padilla thanks Filipino voters for allowing Muslim representation in the Senate

Robin Padilla poses for a picture after being proclaimed as a senator. Photo Source: Rappler

Actor and politician Robin Padilla addresses the nation during the Proclamation of Senators at the PICC in Pasay City, May 18, 2022.

After topping the senatorial race, Padilla was proclaimed amongst the 12 senatorial candidates by the Commission on Elections last Wednesday.

He garnered over 26,612,434 votes, ranking him the highest over the other 63 candidates both in the unofficial and official vote count by the Comelec-NVOC.

Padilla notes in his speech that his win symbolized the unity between the Catholic and Muslim communities in the country. He thanked his voters for allowing him to represent Muslims in the senate.

“Ako po’y nakiusap, sa ating mga kababayan– sainyo, na sana mabigyan niyo po ng pagkakataon ang inyong mga kapatid [na Muslim] na muling magkaro’n ng representasyon sa senado,” Padilla said, pertaining to his Catholic supporters.

(English translation: “I asked the citizens for a chance to let their [Muslim] brothers and sisters to once again have representation in the Senate.”)

“At inyo pong binigyan ng pagkakataon ang inyong mga kapatid (And you have given an opportunity for your brothers and sisters),” Padilla added.

Padilla also pushed his fellow newly-elected senators for government reforms in the constitution.

“Hinihingi ko po sainyo mga kapatid ko sa Senado, ating bigyan ng pagkakataon ang reporma (I ask of you, my brothers and sisters in the Senate, let us give chance to these reforms),” Padilla said.

Furthermore, Padilla closed his two-minute speech on a cheerful note.

“It’s late in the evening, and I feel wonderful tonight,” he said, referring to Eric Clapton’s song “Wonderful Tonight” which he had been performing throughout his campaign.