MANILA – Television host Mariel Rodriguez revealed that her husband, Senator Robin Padilla, has decided not to run for any elective position in the 2028 elections, saying there are moments when she feels the public “doesn’t deserve” him.

In an interview with broadcaster Julius Babao, Rodriguez said their lifestyle did not change when Padilla became a senator.

“Wala kaming bagong kotse simula nu’ng si Robin ay nanalo, wala kaming bagong bahay, wala kaming bagong kung anuman na katas ng pagiging senador ni Robin, so ‘yun ang aking taas noong masasabi,” she said.

Rodriguez said she does not view her husband as a politician but as a public servant.

“I still believe that Robin is not a politician. I feel that the title for Robin is a public servant. Para sa akin ‘yun ah, siyempre sasabihin (ng iba), siyempre asawa ka, di ‘yan ang (sasabihin mo), ‘di sige, basta ako ganu’n ang paniniwala ko,” she added.

She said there are times when Padilla’s efforts are unappreciated, prompting her to think that the public may not deserve him.

“Minsan napapaisip ako na tapusin na lang (termino bilang senador) or sometimes kapag may nasabi na out of context na parang I feel na they don’t deserve him, may mga ganu’n ako. And then again, there were those days that when I see the indigenous people, when I see the Muslims, how they are so grateful to him, so parang paano sila umaasa [sa kaniya],” she said.

Rodriguez also said Padilla has no plans to seek a higher post, including the vice presidency, stressing that he has no political ambition.

“Robin has no ambition (mas mataas na posisyon). Robin, from day one, wants to help. Since the day I met him, ‘yun ang consistent kay Robin, sincere and talagang the heart to help; that’s actually why I fell in love with him,” she said.

She added that Padilla has already decided not to run in 2028.

“To tell you the truth, ayaw niya ‘yung mga people na ‘yun; nate-turn off siya (sa mga nagsasabing tumakbo siyang vice president). Nagdesisyon na siya, hindi na siya tatakbo. Ayaw na niya. He’s always saying that because nababagalan siya sa mga bagay-bagay,” Rodriguez said.