Rommel Padilla

Rommel Padilla
Member of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Board from the 1st district
In office
June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2019
In office
June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010
Personal details
BornRommel Cariño Padilla
(1965-01-04) January 4, 1965[1]
Manila, Philippines
PartyPFP (2024–present)
Other political
affiliations
PDP–Laban (2021–2024)
Independent (2018–2021)
BALANE (2007–2018)
KAMPI (2007)
Spouses
Anabelle Antonio
​
(annulled)​
Charisse Hibek
​
(m. 2011)​
[2]
RelationsPadilla family
Children10,[3] including RJ and Daniel
Parent(s)Roy Padilla Sr.
Lolita Eva Cariño
OccupationActor, businessman, politician, farmer, musician
Nickname(s)Roms, Omeng[4]

Rommel Cariño Padilla (Tagalog pronunciation: [paˈdilja]; born January 4, 1965), nicknamed "Omeng", is a Filipino actor, politician, farmer and former musician. He served as a member of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Board from 2007 to 2010 and 2016 to 2019.

On several occasions, Padilla ran for different elective positions in government and lost: for vice governor of Nueva Ecija (2010), for representative of Nueva Ecija's 1st District (2019, 2022), and for mayor of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija (2025). He is the father of actors RJ and Daniel Padilla.

Early life

He was born to Camarines Norte governor Roy Padilla Sr. (1926–1988) and actress Eva Cariño.

Padilla has at least 48 siblings.[5] Padilla's full siblings from the same parents are: Rowena (born 1959),[6] Randolf (died 1980s),[7] Rema, Royette (1962–2021), Roda,[6] Robinhood ("Robin", born 1969), and Richelda (born 1971).[6] One of his full siblings, BB Gandanghari (formerly Rustom; born 1967), is transgender,[8] while his youngest full sibling, Romulus, died at four days old in 1975.[6] Among his other siblings are half-brothers Roberto (1947–2014), Roy Jr. (1948–),[9] Ronaldo (1962–1988),[10] Roger,[11] Ricarte (born 1965) and Rodolfo ("Gino"; 1974/1975–2002),[12][13][14] and half-sisters Rebecca and Carmela.[15][5][16]

Entertainment career

Prior to becoming an actor, Padilla was a bass player for the Brothers Band based in Angeles City, Pampanga.[17]

Political career

His political inclinations can be traced from his grandfather, José Padilla Sr., former governor of Bulacan province, Philippines, and his father, Casimero "Roy" Padilla Sr., former governor of Camarines Norte province who was assassinated during the 1988 gubernatorial election.

Padilla was elected Nueva Ecija Provincial Board member in 2007.[18][19]

In 2010, he ran for the vice governorship of Nueva Ecija under the local party Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (BALANE), but lost to Gay "GP" Padiernos.[18][20][19]

Once again, in 2016, ran under BALANE party, he was elected as senior board member of the province's First District.[19][21]

He also ran twice in failed bids to represent the First District in the Congress. Being an independent candidate in 2019, he lost to his lone opponent, then-incumbent Rep. Estrellita "Ging" Suansing.[22][23]

In the 2022 national elections, Padilla, ran under PDP–Laban, and his another opponent, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chief Alexander Balutan, were both defeated by outgoing Rep. Estrellita's daughter, Mika Suansing.[24][25][26][27][28][29][30]

Personal life

Padilla has fathered ten children with at least four women.[3] He had three children with his first wife Anabelle Antonio of Angeles, Pampanga: Ralph Matthew ("Matt", born 1980s), Ronnel Jake (born 1989) and Roanna Marie (born 1992).[31][32] While Rommel was in jail and appealing his case in late 1998, Anabelle had to work for their children on his behalf. She was a bassist in Japan while their children was in Rommel's sister, Rowena Padilla's care in Kidapawan, Mindanao for six years.[31] Actor and musician Daniel Padilla (born 1995) is Padilla's son with singer-actress Karla Estrada, whom Rommel met in 1990 while at work in Viva Entertainment.[33] While Padilla was in prison, Karla gave birth to Daniel and took their child for him to see for the first time after 3 years. His daughter Romina Red was born to Edna Mendoza.[2] Padilla has since married Charisse Hibek, with whom he had two children: Aryana Royce Allih and Arize Jose.[2]

Padilla previously dated actresses Jean Garcia and Michelle Aldana in the mid-1990s.[34]

Padilla is a Muslim, having converted to the Islamic faith in 1999[3] after his brother Robin's own conversion while in prison in 1996. He claimed that he was wedded to Karla Estrada in a Muslim wedding presided by Robin, arguing that he was allowed to marry multiple wives based on his faith.[4]

Rommel is said to be friends with his wives, and his children from them has no friction as they treat each other "whole" brothers/sisters, not "half".[31]

Imprisonment

On October 27, 1996 at around 10:30 pm, in front of a convenience store at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue Extension and De Castro Avenue in Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig, Padilla and his flight steward friend Frederick Luna were arrested by East Police District-Drug Enforcement Unit.

The policemen had just finished a drug bust operation when they found a .45 caliber handgun tucked in Luna's waistband. 100 grams of dried marijuana leaves was also found on him. Padilla got off his Nissan Sentra car to reportedly intervene for his friend's release. The lawmen searched his car and found in the passenger seat the .22 Magnum machine pistol that caused them to charge him of illegal possession of firearms. Padilla told police he was on his way to shoot scenes for his then-upcoming film Dimas at Magdalena in that night when they stopped by the store.[35]

On October 29, 1996, Padilla was released after posting a Php 120,000 bail. He was accompanied by his mother, Eva Cariño, his girlfriend at the time, Jean Garcia, and his other relatives.

On November 12, 1996, the Pasig Regional Trial Court ruled Padilla's right for the 45-day reinvestigation of the charges after the motion was filed by Robert Padilla, his counsel and elder brother based on his client's inquest without their counter-affidavit. Luna's defending lawyer Rene Saquisag stressed his client's innocence by stating that the arresting policemen had "planted" the evidence against them.[36]

On May 20, 1998, Judge Esperanza Fabon-Victorino of the Pasig Regional Trial Court convicted and sentenced Padilla to 8 years imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He went into hiding after the fact but eventually surrendered on June 2, 1998 accompanied by his younger brother Robin Padilla and fellow actor George Estregan.[37] His lawyers believed he will not go to jail if he surrenders himself before June 4 to file a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeals but the same ruling judge Victorino denied them for Padilla's violation of the conditions for his bail, and for not appearing in court despite due notice. Padilla's fugitive status while he went into hiding shortly before he was sentenced did not help secure his motion for bail.[38]

While in jail, reports said that he slashed his wrists in his cell to attempt suicide.[39]

On February 19, 1999, while serving time in the New Bilibid Prisons and appealing his conviction, he was released on Php 150,000 bail allowed by the Court of Appeals. Again, his mother, Eva Cariño took him home after saying "I will will [sic] make sure that Rommel will not be involved in any trouble while he is out of jail,".[40] Padilla said he wishes to star in films again and dedicate his time for family.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
1991 Blue Jeans Gang
1992 Bad Boy II
Grease Gun Gang Engeng
Miss Na Miss Kita (Utol Kong Hoodlum II)
1993 Makuha Ka sa Tingin (Kung Puwede Lang) Don Ricardo's Men
Manila Boy Señor Escudero's henchmen no. 1
1994 Mistah Romy De Jesus
Col. Billy Bibit, RAM Col. Billy Bibit
The Untold Story: Vizconde Massacre II – May the Lord Be with Us Glen
The Four Stooges Don Pedro Fernando
1995 P're Hanggang sa Huli
Rodolfo "Boy" Fuentes: Libingan ng Mga Buhay Rodolfo "Boy" Fuentes
1996 Totoy Golem Totoy Golem
1997 Sino si Inday Lucing? Inday Lucing
Dimas at Magdalena Dimas
1998 Ang Kilabot at si Miss Makipot Carding
Leopard Hunting
1999 Kumakasa, Lumalaban
2000 Kahit Demonyo Itutumba Ko Sgt. Carlito Nunez
2002 Hari ng Selda: Anak ni Baby Ama 2 Erwin
Huwag Mong Takasan ang Batas Nelson
2003 You and Me Against the World Vincent
2012 Shake, Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion 1st Lt. Bert Garces
2013 10,000 Hours NBI Agent Aquino
2014 Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo Padre Mariano Gomez
2015 Manila's Finest Col. Lazaro
2016 The Escort Mayor Gibo
2017 Pwera Usog Jean's father
Bubog
2018 Badge of Honor: To Serve and Protect PCol. David Aragon

Television

Title Year Role
2003–2004 Basta't Kasama Kita Felip "Buhawi" Agda
2007 Asian Treasures Leo
2008 Obra Presents: Sanib Special Guest
Joaquin Bordado Alfredo
2009 Totoy Bato Manuel Velarde
2012 Lorenzo's Time Vincent Castillo
Toda Max Romy
Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga Leopoldo/Leopard
Wansapanataym: Copy Kat Daddy
2013 Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin Raul Jimeno
Magkano Ba ang Pag-ibig? Oscar Ramos
2014 Magpakailanman: Dalawang Kasarian Val
2015 2½ Daddies Versiculo/Ver Pastoran
Ipaglaban Mo: Sigaw ng Katarungan Mr. Solomon
Ningning Crisanto "Mang Cris" Garcia
2016 Dolce Amore Cardo
The Greatest Love Andres Alegre
Ipaglaban Mo: Bugaw Dolpo
2017 The Better Half Edgar Villalobos
Wansapanataym: Jasmin's Flower Powers Waldo
Hanggang Saan John Joseph "Jojo" Lagrimas
2018 Ipaglaban Mo: Gapang Ryan
2018–2019 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Baldo
2020 A Soldier's Heart Dante Marasigan
Ipaglaban Mo: Ungol Lito
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Stethoscope Romeo Bactol
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bracelet
2026 Blood vs Duty PGen. Emil Azuelo

References

  1. ↑ Bad Boy of Philippine Films
  2. 1 2 3 Villanueva, Brooke (June 20, 2021). "Jake Ejercito, Rommel Padilla on how they are making the co-parenting set-up work for their children". Philstar Life. Retrieved July 24, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Sibonga, Glen (August 20, 2016). "Rommel Padilla not expecting son Daniel to convert to Islamic faith". PEP.ph (in Filipino and English). Summit Media. Retrieved July 24, 2026. Ilan na ngayon ang kanyang mga anak? Sabi niya, 'Ten.'
  4. 1 2 "Rommel Padilla back in the public eye, thanks to teen idol son". Archived from the original on June 25, 2012.
  5. 1 2 Guerrero, Amadís Ma. (July 19, 2017). "Zeroing in on the Padillas". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved January 27, 2025. [...]laughs [Robin's] (slightly) older sister Rebecca Padilla[....] Officially there are 48 Padilla siblings[...]
  6. 1 2 3 4 San Diego Jr., Bayani (July 3, 2006). "All about Eva". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Vol. 21, no. 205. p. A2-4. Retrieved May 22, 2026. As a teenage girl in her hometown of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, she often watched movies topbilled by idols Rogelio de la Rosa and Elsa Oria.
  7. ↑ Libo-on, Eddie (November 8, 1989). "Robin plays his real brother". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. p. 16. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2025. 'Carnap King' is actually the true story of the late Randolf Padilla who at 26 established the reputation of a carnapping lord in the early 1980's.
  8. ↑ "49. PADILLA, ROBIN". Vote Pilipinas. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Ex-Camarines Norte gov to be transferred to Bilibid". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. March 21, 2016. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2025. [Roy] Padilla [Jr.], elder brother of action star Robin Padilla, was arrested on Friday[...]
  10. ↑ Bergonia, Tony; Imperial, Ramon (January 31, 1988). "Four provincial elections set". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. 1.
  11. ↑ Elevado, Francis (March 6, 2001). "2 utol ni Robin Padilla kandidato". Pilipino Star Ngayon (in Filipino). Camarines Norte: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  12. ↑ Ricky Lo (March 11, 2002). "Pilar Pilapil getting married again; Gino Padilla case of mistaken identity". Philippine Star.
  13. ↑ Roque, Anselmo (March 26, 2002). "Robin brod's body found". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Cabanatuan City: The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. 12. Retrieved January 26, 2025. [Gino] Padilla, 27, was a son of Roy Padilla Sr. [...] and Jennifer Serafica.
  14. ↑ Gascon, Melvin; Roque, Anselmo; Orejas, Tonette (March 11, 2002). "Abducted man is Gino Padilla namesake". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Cabanatuan City: The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. A14. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025. [SPO1 Edgar] Aban said [Gino] Padilla is managing a 17-hectare farm in Bibiclat.
  15. ↑ Abunda, Boy (February 25, 2008). "Worth braving the heavy traffic for". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 22, 2026. Rebecca [R.] Padilla, who plays the mother of Rom, is Robin Padilla's half-sister, and mother of Annicka Dolonius who plays Wena, Rom's love interest. Annicka is half-Filipina, half-Swede.
  16. ↑ Guerrero, Amadís Ma. (September 12, 2014). "Bataan: On the set of Bonifacio". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  17. ↑ Japitana, Norma (September 16, 1994). "What are Rommel Padilla's chances". Manila Standard. Vol. VIII, no. 224. p. 22. Retrieved July 24, 2026.
  18. 1 2 "Business exec slugs it out with Rommel Padilla". Philstar.com. December 18, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  19. 1 2 3 "Daniel Padilla's pa regains board seat". Philstar.com. May 20, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Umali, Padiernos top Nueva Ecija polls". Philstar.com. May 20, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Eleksyon 2016 Results: Nueva Ecija, Region III". GMA News. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Actor Rommel Padilla vies for congressional post in Nueva Ecija". Philippine News Agency. October 16, 2018. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Eleksyon 2019 Results: Nueva Ecija, Region III". GMA News. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  24. ↑ "PDP-Laban bet Robin Padilla files candidacy for senator". Rappler. Rappler Inc. October 8, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Robin Padilla in official PDP-Laban senatorial list; brother, Rommel to run for congressman". Manila Bulletin. October 6, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Google exec, ex-PCSO chief among NE bets in 2022 polls". The Manila Times. October 11, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  27. ↑ "Upsets, clans in Central, Northern Luzon races (First of a series)". Inquirer.net. May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  28. ↑ "Eleksyon 2022 Results: Nueva Ecija, Region III". GMA News. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Raymond Bagatsing, Rommel Padilla, Long Mejia bigo sa kanilang election bid". Philippine Entertainment Portal. May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Celebrities who won and lost in 2022 polls". Philstar.com. May 15, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  31. 1 2 3 "RJ Padilla recounts first meeting with half-brother Daniel Padilla". GMA News Online. February 1, 2014.
  32. ↑ Bonifacio, Julie (April 27, 2015). "Kabilin-bilinan ni Karla: Daniel bawal bumili at sumakay ng motor". Bandera (in Filipino and English). Retrieved July 24, 2026. [...] at ang magkapatid sa ina na sina RJ at Ralph Matthew naman ay nasa GMA.
  33. ↑ ROMANTIC STORY OF KARLA ESTRADA AND ROMMEL PADILLA
  34. ↑ Red, Isah Velasquez (August 17, 1995). "Michelle's tales from the heart". Manila Standard. Vol. IX, no. 184. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 22. Retrieved July 24, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com.
  36. ↑ "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com.
  37. ↑ ROMMEL PADILLA SURRENDERS, JAILED
  38. ↑ ROBIN COMES OUT: ROMMEL GOES IN
  39. ↑ ROBIN'S BROD ROMMEL BAILS OUT OF NATIONAL PENITENTIARY
  40. ↑ ROBIN'S BROD ROMMEL BAILS OUT OF NATIONAL PENITENTIARY, PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE Feb. 20, 1999
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