Kylie Padilla asks public not to use remark against her father Robin

MANILA, Philippines — Kylie Padilla caused a stir online over her remark that she would leave the country if her father, Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, decides to run for vice president in tandem with Vice President Sara Duterte.

Supporters have floated the possibility of Robin, who topped the 2022 Senate race, becoming the running mate of Duterte, who has already announced her bid for the presidency in 2028.

In an interview with TV5 on Tuesday, the actress was asked for her reaction to reports that her father had expressed that he would only run for the second highest elective post if former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court, asked him to do so.

The former action star’s daughter laughingly responded, “Aalis na ko ng Pilipinas.”

She then reiterated, “No reaction but aalis na ‘ko ng Pilipinas. Aalis na po ko ng Pilipinas. Yun lang po ang comment. Di, wala lang, ano lang naman… I trust in my father’s judgement. Yun na lang.”

There was no follow-up question or further explanation during the TV interview, but her remark quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions online.

She later issued a clarification on her social media accounts.

“I only meant that aalis po ako ng Pilipinas kasi gusto ko ng tahimik na buhay. It was not a comment to insult my father because I trust in his judgment and all the good that he’s doing for the country. But I think it is also my right to know what kind of life I want to live. And that is a quiet, peaceful life. Yun lang po,” she said in an Instagram story.

In a separate Facebook post, she appealed to the public not to twist her words or use them against her father.

“Please do not take my statement and use it against my father. I admire all the good that he is doing for our country. I only made the comment out of my desire to live a calm, peaceful and quiet life. ‘Di ko sinabi yun to insult him or anyone else. I love him and only wish for him to be happy and safe always.”

Earlier, in an interview with The STAR and other news outlets, Kylie reflected on her relationship with her father while discussing her latest film “The Lotto Winner” under MAVX Productions.

Kylie stars in the MAVX family tearjerker ‘The Lotto Winner,’ with Albert Martinez and Sienna Stevens playing as her father and daughter, respectively. It’s still showing in SM Cinemas.

“Kwento ng buhay namin,” she said. “It’s about a father-daughter relationship. It’s also about forgiveness. Like what I posted before, there’s a line there that really made me say yes to this project. Marami talagang maiiyak sa movie na ‘to.”

“Nakaka-relate (ako) oo! I love you, Pa!” she added.

“Wala naman,” was her answer to the question if she and her father were going through something during the shoot. “It’s just that I think lahat ng father-daughter relationships makaka-relate dun sa nangyari dun sa kuwento.”

She acknowledged her social media post that the “movie healed me in ways I so desperately needed.”

“Kasama yung movie na ‘to sa paghi-heal ko sa part na yun, if ever man meron,” she further told the press. “It had a huge impact on me really.”

Asked if she could relate from the point of view of a parent herself, she said, “Hindi ko pa iniisip ‘yun that way. Pero kung may sasabihin man ako sa mga anak ko, it’s the same thing — dapat mag-forgive sila.”

In the film, her father is played by veteran star Albert Martinez, who readily agreed how “The Lotto Winner” could resonate with parents and their children.

“Actually, many people will be able to relate to the story because you know how our world is nowadays, the family is busy, the parents are busy and maybe it’s not intentional but neglect happens when it comes to the children,” the actor explained.

“I’m sure many will be touched by this. It’s a wake-up call for others. Parang wait a minute, this is more important. Minsan kasi trabaho tayo nang trabaho that we forget that someone is waiting for you, for your hug, for your love and you’re not there. Ito po yung magbibigay sayo ng liwanag, teka muna, meron pa pala akong dapat isipin pa.”

According to the synopsis, “The Lotto Winner” — directed by RC Delos Reyes — follows an estranged father (Albert Martinez) and his daughter whose lives are upended after he wins the lottery. Set against the backdrop of Canberra, Australia, the family drama focuses less on the windfall itself and more on its emotional aftermath, exploring how sudden wealth impacts their fractured relationship and uncovers deeper family secrets. It’s still showing in SM Cinemas nationwide.