Sen. Robin Padilla vents frustration over mayor he campaigned for: ‘Mapapamura ka na lang!’

Senator Robin Padilla has expressed disappointment toward a city mayor he personally supported during the elections, after claiming that his projects for the Badjao community have not progressed under the official’s leadership.

In a candid Facebook post, Padilla lamented what he described as the “rotten system” of Philippine politics, saying he expected better cooperation from the newly elected mayor.

“Iba talaga ang pulitika sa bansang ito,” he wrote. “Nagpalit ng mayor sa isang kilalang siyudad na kinampanya ko pa at nanalo! Sa paniwala ko na mas magkakaroon ng resulta ang proyekto ko para sa mga Badjao kesa sa dating mayor, eh mas lalo palang lalabo.”

Padilla said his staff had been brushed off by the local government when they sought updates on his initiatives.

“Sinagot pa ang staff ko na wala silang alam. Eh kaya nga kami bumiyahe ng personal at nagtatanong bilang supporter ninyo! Mapapamura ka na lang sa hinayupak na sistema ng pulitika sa Pilipinas! Mapapaaway ka o sising-matsing ka na lang!” he added in frustration.

The senator, who has long advocated for indigenous communities and Muslim representation, clarified in a follow-up post that he avoids conflict, particularly in politics, emphasizing unity instead of division.

“Ako ang taong ayaw na ng gulo lalo’t sa pulitika sapagkat ang kailangan ng Bicol ay pagkakaisa. ‘Wag ako ang bentahan mo ng away sa oras ng pagpuri sa magandang gawain. Oragon kami kaya ibahin mo kami,” he wrote.

Padilla’s posts quickly went viral, drawing a flood of reactions from supporters and netizens who sympathized with his sentiments. Many praised him for speaking out against political hypocrisy and urged him to continue championing grassroots initiatives.

One commenter wrote, “Buti na lang nandiyan kayo idol na may gintong puso. Mahal ka ng taong bayan, sila ang kaagapay mo.”

Another said, “Ganyan talaga sa pulitika—magaling mangako, pero pag nanalo, nakakalimot. Sana mabago na ang sistemang ganito.”

Padilla, who has been active in pushing for reforms and community-based programs, has yet to name the city or the mayor involved.