In a video posted to Senator Robin Padilla’s Facebook page, the action star-turned-senator is seen carrying a cutout of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine flag. “Si Tatay Digong ang nagbigay sa akin ng absolute pardon, bagong panganak sa usapin ng pagkakasala sa batas ng Pilipinas,” the caption read.
Padilla also called himself a “triple XXX,” “ex-bad boy, ex-rebelde, at ex-convict,” that Duterte had given a second chance. In 1994, he was convicted of illegal possession of firearms and pardoned four years later by then-President Fidel V. Ramos.
In another post, Padilla poses outside a chain cafe with a different cutout of Duterte sitting. “Breakfast meeting kasama ang chairman ng Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas,” he quipped.
Padilla also posted a selfie with former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, May 20. Roque faces an arrest warrant and charges for the non-bailable offense of qualified human trafficking related to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) Lucky South 99. He is currently seeking asylum from the Dutch government, citing political persecution.
On May 9, the senator confirmed in a video posted by actress Giselle Sanchez that he will appear at Malieveld, a park in The Hague, on May 24.
Duterte supporters in the city are expected to gather on that day for a “grand solidarity get-together,” which will include performances, guest speakers, a picnic, and Duterte merchandise. The event will be a show of solidarity for Duterte, who is currently in ICC custody as he awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs.
