Saying he would like to focus on his job in the Senate, Senator Robin Padilla has resigned as executive vice president (EVP) of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) bloc led by former Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi.
Padilla submitted his resignation to Cusi but said that he intends to remain a member of the party and continue to participate actively in its advocacies.
“Today, May 29, I tender my irrevocable resignation as EVP of PDP-Laban. That said, I intend to remain a member of the party),” Padilla said. “I believe my decision is for the good of the party and its members – and more importantly, for the Filipino people.”
In his resignation, Padilla noted the PDP-Laban has much to achieve, and thus needs an EVP who can devote more time to the party’s affairs.
He emphasized that because he has “heavy responsibilities” as an elected official, it would be better if someone else fills his shoes.
As an incumbent senator with a mandate, Padilla said he is aware that other duties-including his position as EVP of the party–must give way to his ability to fulfill his sworn duty to the people.
Padilla is the chairperson of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes. He had conducted Senate hearings on bills to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution.
He also filed his own proposed measure which seeks to make changes in seven provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
However, the neophyte senator conceded in his ultimate goal to amend economic provisions and instead shifted to make amendments in its political provisions.
Among the changes recommended by Padilla is to shorten the term of the President from six years to four years with re-election for another term.
Padilla got the Cusi faction PDP-Laban post in August last year. In 2021, the PDP-Laban was split into 2 factions led by Cusi and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, son of one of the founders of the said political party.