By: Levi May Coleman & Eduard Solomon

The actor-turned-senator Robin Padilla couldn’t contain his pride for the candidates of the 64th College of Criminal Justice and 59th Graduate School Commencement Exercise of his alma mater, Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) on August 12, 2023, at the Plenary Hall, Philippine International Convention Center.

Padilla shared in his speech that his imprisonment played a huge role in striving to be better in life but PCCR made the transformation possible. 

“Tatlo’t kalahating taon po ako naging kriminal pero nagkaroon po ng transformation ‘yan, from kriminal to criminologist at ang gumawa po ng transformation na ‘yan ay ang PCCR. (I’ve been a criminal for three-and-a-half years but there was a transformation, from criminal to criminologist and the one that brought this transformation is PCCR.)”

He also expressed his gratitude to parents and guardians of the candidates for their unyielding support, something that he noted that he can relate to as a father and a grandfather himself.

Senator Padilla, who bagged the top spot in the 2022 senatorial race, also expressed his concern over the “rotten” system in the country, noting that change should come from the people rather than the government.

“Inaasahan ko na sa inyo dapat magmumula ang pagbabago. Kasi kung aasahan n’yo ‘yong sistema, mga anak, wala. (I am hoping that change will come from you. Because if you rely on the system, children, none.)”

Padilla bid the graduating candidates a congratulations whilst reminding them that their motivation should be their driving force and that without it, there is none. 

PCCR awarded the diploma of 417 graduates of College of Criminal Justice and 44 of Graduate School.