Robin Padilla compares youth today to youth of the past: “You are weak”

• Senator Robin Padilla said many kids today seem more emotionally fragile compared to his generation, as he questioned how easily the word “depression” is now used
• The senator claimed that during the 1980s and 1990s, mental health terms were rarely discussed and young people were tougher
• Padilla made the remarks while opening a Senate hearing on proposed measures including the Children’s Safety in Social Media Act
• His comments quickly sparked conversation online, with some agreeing and others calling for more understanding of modern mental health struggles

Senator Robin Padilla drew mixed reactions after comparing today’s youth with those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, saying younger generations are more emotionally fragile.

The senator made the remarks on Wednesday while opening a hearing of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, which he chairs, as lawmakers discussed several proposed measures including the Children’s Safety in Social Media Act.

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During his speech, Padilla candidly addressed what he sees as a shift in resilience among young people today. He admitted his statement might upset some listeners but said he felt it needed to be said.

“Ang mga bata po ngayon sad to say, wag kayong magagalit sakin — nako, maraming batang magagalit siguro — pero pasensya na kayo… you are weak,” Padilla said.

He went on to contrast the present generation with his own upbringing, recalling that mental health terms were not commonly used when he was younger.

“Noong panahon namin di uso yung salitang ‘depression.’ ‘Di ko nga alam yun e, kung ano yung depression.. ngayon batang maliit sasabihin, ‘I’m depressed.’ Magulo,” he added.

The lawmaker’s comments quickly stirred discussions online, with some agreeing that social media may be contributing to emotional vulnerability, while others emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health concerns more openly today.

Robin Padilla, whose full name is Robinhood Ferdinand Cariño Padilla, first built his reputation as a major action star in Philippine cinema before entering politics. He later shifted to public service and was elected Senator of the Philippines in 2022, even topping the senatorial race. He is married to Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, with whom he has two daughters, Isabella and Gabriela. He also has children from previous relationships, including actress Kylie Padilla.

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Earlier, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla shared her appreciation for her husband and his colleague Camille Villar through social media. She posted a screenshot of their video conference meeting for the Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs. Padilla explained that their discussion centered on eviction and demolition issues affecting the Molbog Indigenous People in Palawan. Mariel noted that despite political noise, both senators remained focused on their responsibilities, with Robin even conducting the meeting live from Maria Hangin Island.

Previously, Kylie Padilla spoke about co-parenting during her appearance on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, where she shared her thoughts about her former husband Aljur Abrenica and his current partner AJ Raval. She explained that she tries to keep a mature and positive outlook for the sake of their children. Months earlier, AJ revealed that she is a mother of five, three of whom she shares with Aljur.

Source: KAMI.com.gh