Former Finance Undersecretary and current UP economics professor Cielo Magno has publicly accused Senator Robin Padilla of engaging in illegal pork barrel practices. In a resurfaced campaign video from the 2025 midterm elections, Magno highlighted statements made by Padilla that she says demonstrate unconstitutional use of government funds.
In the video, Padilla proudly announced that he had funneled major infrastructure projects into the hometown of his late father in Camarines Norte. Notably, his brother is allegedly the sitting governor of the province. Padilla further promised to replicate these efforts in Nueva Ecija if his other brother, actor Rommel Padilla, were to win in the local elections there. He claimed that within just three years, he would ensure the area received a significant share of national projects.
Magno called the video “clear evidence of pork barrel,” which she stressed has long been declared illegal and unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. According to her, Padilla not only participates in such practices but appears to be leading the charge in budget insertions—hidden allocations in the national budget often associated with corruption and patronage politics.
She reminded the senator that his role is to legislate and not to act as a distributor of infrastructure projects. “The role of a senator is to make laws, not to allocate public funds for personal or political interests,” Magno emphasized. She warned that such actions violate the principles of transparency and fairness in public finance.
Magno further questioned how Padilla, who is reportedly heavily involved in budget insertions, will ensure the integrity of the national budget for fiscal year 2026. She raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds and the prioritization of personal interests over national development.
Sen. Robin Padilla confirmed Sen. Panfilo Lacson's exposed of senators PORK BARREL🤣
— AJ Planet (@AJPlanetFriends) July 11, 2025
Nabuko na naman si Boy Sili sa bibig pa niya nanggaling🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/fnZ5gc0G34
Senator Padilla, a known ally of the Duterte family, has frequently made headlines for his unwavering support of former President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation. He has filed several resolutions attempting to bring Duterte back to the Philippines from The Hague.
Magno’s revelations have sparked fresh discussions about political dynasties, misuse of public funds, and the continuing challenge of enforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling against pork barrel schemes in the Philippines.
kung ang amo nya mga magnanakaw natural sya rin isang magnanakaw… nag iipon na yan wala na kasing malolokong botante sa 2028!
There are also legislatures who circumvent the SC ruling on pork barrel. This usually happens when one is a Senator and the kin is in Congress. Definitely, misuse of funds e.g. thru ‘ayuda’ where the legislator is in control, ‘pagpopondo’ for provincial and municipal projects, ‘scholarship’, ‘pagpapagamot’, ‘negosyo’, and many more manipulative schemes of corrupt officials who have made their turf as milking cows. For as long as their are corrupt officials, poverty, hunger, criminality, low literacy, and use of illegal drugs would continue to be present in the communities. For crusaders, let us set aside party politics or loyalty. Let us deal with the problem head-on and expose the perpetrators and shenanigans. For a the sake of our country, the betterment of the lives of the Filipino people and most, for God’s greater glory and honor. 🙏💓 👊