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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider In impeachment trial, Robin Padilla says he learned criminology at 'University of Prison'

In impeachment trial, Robin Padilla says he learned criminology at 'University of Prison'

Published Jul 7, 2026 09:43 am
Senator-judge Robin Padilla made a tongue-in-cheek remark on Monday, July 6, when he stated that he studied criminology at "UP"—clarifying a beat later that he meant the "University of Prison"—as he explained his vote against Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's election as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court.
Senator-judge Robinhood Padilla says the law is precise and must not be twisted, adding that the Senate President should serve as presiding officer in the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte as provided by the Constitution. (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator-judge Robinhood Padilla says the law is precise and must not be twisted, adding that the Senate President should serve as presiding officer in the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte as provided by the Constitution. (Senate PRIB photo)
This took place during the first day of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. 
In his explanation of vote, Padilla argued that lawmakers should rely on the framers' intent in interpreting the 1987 Constitution.
Padilla said he sought Google's help in translating legal terminology before quipping about his background on the matter.
He ultimately voted against Escudero's nomination as presiding officer.
"Hindi naman po akong nagtapos sa UP, hindi rin po akong nagtapos sa Ateneo, nagtapos po ako ng criminology at UP rin — University of Prison (I did not graduate from UP nor Ateneo, I studied criminology at UP too, University of Prison)," Padilla said.
Padilla, a popular action movie star, was convicted in 1994 for illegal possession of firearms and served time in prison before later receiving executive clemency.
He also stated that, despite not being a lawyer, his four years as chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments had taught him to give weight to the intent of the Charter's framers.
Quoting the 1986 Constitutional Commission deliberations, Padilla cited the statement of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. that, except in impeachment trials involving the President, "It should be the President of the Senate who shall preside."
He argued that the constitutional record was clear and should not be reinterpreted.
"Ang batas po ay precise. Hindi po ito pwedeng iba-ibahin o baluktutin (The law is precise. It cannot be altered or twisted)," he said.
Padilla also questioned the majority bloc's decision to nominate Escudero as presiding officer instead of keeping him as Senate President. He recalled that he agreed to join the majority only if Escudero would become Senate President.
With the senators voting 12-8 (yes-no), Escudero was elected as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court.

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Robin Padilla impeachment trial Vice President Sara Duterte Chiz Escudero
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