From Critic to Supporter, Rowena Guanzon Changes Tune on Robin Padilla
ROWENA GUANZON – Political circles are buzzing after Rowena Guanzon revealed a candid admission about how she once viewed Robin Padilla.
Atty. Rowena Guanzon has publicly acknowledged the support extended to her by Sen. Robin Padilla regarding her reported plans to run for senator in the 2028 elections, a move that is expected to align with the ticket of Vice President Sara Duterte, who has also expressed her intention to run for president.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 31, Padilla shared his perspective as a Muslim, emphasizing that he does not take offense at criticisms and insults thrown his way, including being labeled as having a “low IQ.” According to the senator, Islamic teachings highlight that those who endure oppression are blessed and rewarded by Allah.
“Hindi ko po ikinakasakit ng damdamin ang mga ipinupukol sa akin bagkus ako po ay naliligayahan dahil katulad ng sinapit na pag maltrato sa propeta muhamad saw ay tumataas pa ang aking pananampalataya at ipinagdarasal ko na lamang ang nararamdaman na pang aapi.”
He further expressed his confidence in Guanzon, stating, “Si atty guanzon ay kailangan ni VP sara duterte at ng mga Pilipino.”
Padilla also underscored Guanzon’s capabilities, comparing her to well-known legal figures such as Vic Rodriguez, Salvador Panelo, Harry Roque, Larry Gadon, and Jimmy Bondoc. He added that worldly praise is insignificant compared to divine judgment, saying, “Never mind the praises of this world. What matters is the judgement of Allah.”
The senator reiterated his call for public support for Guanzon’s potential 2028 senatorial bid.
Previously, on Sunday, March 29, Guanzon reaffirmed that even if she decides not to pursue a senatorial run, she would continue to support Vice President Duterte’s presidential bid. The lawyer had earlier expressed her intention to run for the Senate during a public event.
Guanzon later responded to Padilla’s statement by sharing his post and leaving a comment that quickly gained attention.
“na-judge kita noon pero bilib ako sayo ngayon. Saludo sa supremo,” she said.
In another post, she assured the senator that she would not let him down.
“Hindi kami nag uusap pero bilib na bilib ako sa paninindigan ni Sen. Robin Padilla sa pagtindig sa desisyon na suportahan ako kahit may mangilan ngilan na di siya maintindihan at may pag aalinlangan saakin,” she said.
She also acknowledged her past criticisms and reflected on her shift in perspective.
“Part of me ay hiya sa mga nasabi ko sa kanya dahil aminado ako, nasa puso niya talaga ang paglilingkod, yun yung di ko nakita noon, yan yung nagpausisa saakin bakit yan naging #1 senator nung 2022 kahit walang pera na nilabas na kahit bestfriend ko na abogada at classmate sa UP College of Law ay binoto siya.”
“Ang maipapanga ko lang sayo Sen, Hinding hindi kita ipapahiya sa pagtaya mo saakin,” said Guanzon.
This is not the first time Guanzon has shifted her stance toward Padilla, whom she previously criticized during the 2022 elections. In September 2025, the two crossed paths, and the lawyer admitted she had come to understand why Padilla emerged as the top senator in that election.
