On Monday, Padilla joined former Interior Undersecretary Jesus “Jayvee” Hinlo Jr. at the Commission on Elections, where Hinlo officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC).
Hinlo outlined his legislative agenda, emphasizing that his top priorities will include combating corruption, addressing poverty, and reforming the education system. He also advocated for amendments to the Data Privacy Act and Bank Secrecy Law to facilitate corruption investigations. Furthermore, he proposed the introduction of “Philippine Patriotism and Ethics Studies” from Grade 1 through college to instill a sense of national pride among Filipinos.
During his tenure under the Duterte administration, Hinlo held the position of Undersecretary for Public Safety at the Department of Interior and Local Government. He has also been involved with the Land Bank of the Philippines board and served as a commissioner on the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission.
Hinlo is the fifth candidate for the Senate representing PDP-Laban. Last week, Padilla supported four other senatorial hopefuls from the party, including Phillip Salvador, Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, and singer Jimmy Bondoc. On the same day, Padilla also accompanied Greco Belgica, who is running under the Bisaya Gyud party list.
