Senator Robin Padilla clarified recent statements regarding marital relations that have sparked a furor on social media.

The Senator firmly upholds that marital rape is a serious crime, and in no way does he condone or promote any form of violence, coercion, or abuse within the bounds of marriage.

He recognizes that consent is crucial in sexual relations between husband and wife, and that every individual, regardless of marital status, has the right to refuse sex.

In the short video clip that has gone viral on social media, the Senator is seen describing a situation to Atty. Lorna Kapunan, wherein a husband who is eager to have sex with his wife is refused by his spouse. Kapunan then reiterates that sexual consent is an essential requirement under any circumstance, even for married couples.

The situation described by the Senator was in no way indicative of his actions, beliefs, or an account of his own personal experiences. He simply posed a hypothetical question meant to elicit the correct response from the resource person; and for the purpose of educating couples experiencing such challenges in their marital life.

The importance of marital consent during intimacy is an oft-avoided topic, particularly in patriarchal cultures. 

Through his line of questioning and the use of a theoretical scenario, the Senator intended to provide a recognized legal expert with a platform to underscore the proper and lawful standpoint in layman’s terms.

The full statement of the senator in Pilipino:

“Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin at ng inyong mabuting pasensya lalo na po sa mga hindi lubos na nakaunawa sa konteksto ng aking punto ukol sa aming diskusyon ni Atty. Lorna Kapunan sa Senado.

"Ang aking mga katanungan po ay hypothetical base sa sentimiento at realidad ng mga pang-karaniwang Pilipino. Hindi po ito mula sa aking mga personal na gawain, paniniwala o karanasan.

"Ang linya po ng aking pagtatanong ay upang magkaroon ng diskusyon at pagbibigay-linaw. Ito po ang realidad sa tunay na estado ng relasyon ng ordinaryong mag-asawang Pilipino.

"Ang pinang-gagalingan ko po ay upang gabayan ang karamihan ukol sa isyu ng marital rape.

"Kasama na din po dito ang sinasabing “gray area” sa Family at Civil Code kahit pa man mayroon tayong Separation of Church and State.

"Ang mga sensitibong paksa na ito ay kailangan nating talakayin at pag usapan para maisaayos at mailagay sa tama ang batas.

"Ang pagtatalik (sex) ng mag-asawa ay may epekto sa mental health, emosyon, pisikal at kabutihan ng pagsasama. Kaya't nararapat po na ito ay ating bigyan linaw para sa usaping karapatang pangtao, kababaihan man po o at kalalakihan, kasal man o hindi.”